Early Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Menopause is a vital process that affects all women. This happens when the ovaries no longer produce estrogen and progesterone and menstruation disappears, almost always after the age of 45. However, some experience early menopause.

This disorder usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 45 and is also called primary ovarian failure. As this report from the US National Library of Medicine suggests , in 90% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Therefore, we invite you to learn more about this condition.

1. Early menopause, a reality with unknown origins

The cycles of menstruation and ovulation prepare the woman’s body for pregnancy. Their regularity also implies a balance for the body. Hormones are a health indicator that helps, for example, prevent decalcification, as stated in this study by Dr. Landa.

Having an early menopause means, first of all, losing protection and the need to develop strategies to take better care of yourself.

Possible causes

It is normal to want to know the causes of premature menopause. In fact, it is ideal to find out the factors involved to determine if they can endanger your health. As noted in this report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , the following must be considered:

• There is a high probability that the daughters of mothers who had an early menopause will have the same problem.

• Factors such as hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the vast majority of autoimmune diseases, can also lead to early menopause (there is a probability, but not a 100% correspondence).
• Premature ovarian failure is undoubtedly the most common cause (it can occur after the age of 35).
• In turn, obesity can be, in many cases, a trigger for menstrual irregularities due to constant hormonal changes. It is important to keep this in mind.

Women undergoing hysterectomies will also have to cope with the loss of menstruation, regardless of age.

2. What are the symptoms of early menopause?

• Menstruation is becoming more and more irregular and less abundant.
• Inability to get pregnant.
• Dry skin and vaginal dryness.

• Premenstrual syndrome without menstruation.
• Insomnia.
• Sweating and palpitations.
• Concentration problems, mood swings.
• Fatigue.

3. What treatments are available for early menopause?

Every woman will experience this situation in a different way. Some have dreamed of getting pregnant and will not be able to; others will have intense physical symptoms. Some women will calmly take on the new situation.

However, there are a number of important issues that need to be made clear.

• The woman who experiences early menopause will have a more extensive postmenopausal stage and therefore it is necessary to take steps to enjoy a better quality of life.

• There is an option to treat the symptoms with hormone replacement therapy to prevent certain health problems. However, this report from the Mayo Clinic suggests caution, as studies in this regard warn of a certain cardiovascular risk.
• It is also recommended to increase your calcium doses, to follow your weight and to have an active life from which sports and the correct diet are not lacking.

4. How to deal with emotions in case of early menopause

Having the feeling that your youth is over, imagining that you will become less attractive or even believing that “you are no longer a woman” are very common (and wrong) feelings. Menopause is an inevitable process, so it must be faced with determination.

Above all, it is important to take on this new stage and focus on the need to take care of yourself. There will be worse days and great days. Therefore, do not hesitate to lead a normal life and talk to other women who are also facing this situation.