Are you wondering what are the signs of early menopause? Well, we got you covered! We listed the things you need to know about early menopause and menopause itself. And what causes early menopause on women, learn more about it here.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is a normal part of aging and typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later in some cases. Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. As a result, a woman's menstrual periods become irregular and eventually cease altogether.
The transition into menopause usually begins with a phase called perimenopause, which can last several years. During perimenopause, a woman may experience changes in her menstrual cycle, such as shorter or longer periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, and varying degrees of discomfort.
The American Pregnancy Association has found that 1 in 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 29 and 1 in 100 women aged 30 to 39 go through menopause early.
What is early menopause?
Early menopause, also known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), refers to the onset of menopause before the age of 40. It is different from natural menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Early menopause is relatively uncommon, affecting about 1% of women.
There are two main types of early menopause:
- Spontaneous early menopause: This occurs when a woman's ovaries naturally stop functioning, leading to a decline in hormone production and the cessation of menstrual periods. The exact cause of spontaneous early menopause is often unknown, but it may be related to genetic factors or autoimmune conditions.
- Induced early menopause: This type of early menopause is a result of medical interventions, such as the surgical removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) or certain cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, which can damage the ovaries.
9 signs of early menopause
What are the signs of early menopause? They're pretty much the same as those experienced during late menopause. They include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Changes in urinary function
It's important to note that experiencing these signs does not necessarily mean you are going through early menopause. Besides various other medical conditions and factors can cause similar symptoms.
If you suspect you may be experiencing early menopause or are concerned about any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Going into early menopause doesn't only hinder your plans of having another baby, it also puts you at greater risk for osteoporosis, ovarian/colon cancer, cataracts, and gum problems, due to the decrease of the hormone estrogen.
Early menopause complications
Early menopause, occurring before the age of 40, can have various complications and long-term effects on a woman's health. Some of the potential complications associated with early menopause include:
One of the most significant complications of early menopause is the loss of fertility. As the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormonal changes occur, natural conception becomes challenging or impossible.
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Osteoporosis
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. With early menopause and the decline in estrogen levels, women are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
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Cardiovascular disease
Estrogen also has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, promoting healthy blood vessel function. With early menopause, women may have an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
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Psychological impact
Early menopause can be emotionally challenging for some women. Dealing with the loss of fertility and coping with the sudden hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
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Sexual health issues
Vaginal dryness and reduced libido due to hormonal changes can affect a woman's sexual health and lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse.
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Urinary problems
Changes in estrogen levels can also impact the urinary system, leading to an increased risk of urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections.
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Premature aging
Early menopause can accelerate some signs of aging, such as skin changes and changes in body composition.
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Cognitive function
Some studies suggest that early menopause may be associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Moreover, it's important to note that not all women will experience these complications, and the severity may vary. Lifestyle factors, overall health, and the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can influence the impact of early menopause on an individual.
If you are experiencing early menopause or are concerned about potential complications, it is crucial to discuss your symptoms and risks with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing symptoms, reducing health risks, and improving overall well-being during this transitional phase.
8 things that can cause early menopause
Here are eight things that can cause a woman to go into early menopause.
1. Smoking
Studies have found that women who smoke go into menopause one to two years earlier than those who don't. Researchers found that toxins found in tobacco and cigarettes tend to hinder the function of reproductive hormones, like estrogen.
2. Hormonal medications
Medications that control or reduce estrogen, like Tamoxifen, can contribute to early menopause. This medication is meant to prevent those with breast cancer.
3. History of epilepsy
In addition, for women diagnosed with epilepsy, it's expected that it may affect their age of menopause. Studies have found that early menopause is more common in those with catamenial epilepsy (seizures that are triggered by the menstrual cycle) or high seizure incidence. These findings have been linked to seizures' effects on the brain's hypothalamus or pituitary gland, but more data is needed to fully support this.
4. Thyroid disorders
Women with thyroid problems suffer from hormonal imbalances: they're either too high or too low. Naturally, they are at risk for early onset menopause. In fact, hypothyroidism's symptoms mimic that of menopause---hot flashes, mood swings, irregular menses, etc.
Thyroid treatment has also been found to delay menopause.
5. Past surgery
On the other hand, if you've undergone surgeries, like having an ovary removed (single oophorectomy) or uterus removal (hysterectomy), your body tends to have less estrogen and progesterone. Which can lead to premature menopause. However, if you have both ovaries removed, it results in instant menopause.
6. Chemotherapy
Furthermore, chemotherapy and radiation can cause damage to your ovary and its tissues, putting you at greater risk for early menopause.
7. Chromosome abnormalities
Premature menopause is more likely in those born with chromosomal defects that affect reproductive function, like Turner syndrome, which results in poorly developed ovaries.
8. Autoimmune diseases
When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system becomes confused and attacks your own body in an effort to control the disease. In some cases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, it can even target ovaries and their tissues, leading to early menopause.
How to diagnose early menopause?
Diagnosing early menopause requires a comprehensive approach, starting with evaluating your medical history to understand menstrual changes and symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to identify relevant signs and conduct hormonal testing, particularly measuring blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.
Confirming the diagnosis might involve repeating tests due to hormonal fluctuations. Additional tests may rule out other medical conditions, and genetic testing will be considered if relevant.
A proper diagnosis is essential as it impacts a woman's health, enabling healthcare providers to offer appropriate management and guidance.
How can it be prevented?
Though some cases of premature menopause can't be prevented, here are some measures you can take if you suspect you are at risk:
- Stop smoking.
- Get regular exercise
- Fight obesity
- Use hormone-free, organic skin care products
- Eat organic, healthy food
- Avoid processed foods
We hope you found this information useful! Are you at risk or have you experienced early menopause? Share your story with us in the comments below.
Additional information from Marhiel Garrote
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