Menopause is the stage in which menstruation progressively ceases and, therefore, the reproductive capacity of a woman. It is a phase of many hormonal changes since the ovaries age, produce less estrogen and progesterone, and usually appear between 45 and 55 years. When we refer to early menopause, it is because the symptoms of this change appear before the age of 45, affecting our health considerably. At FastlyHealwe, explain the causes and symptoms of early menopause.
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Causes of early menopause
Before explaining the causes of early menopause, it is necessary to clarify that the age at which menopause occurs will depend on the reserve of ovarian follicles that a woman has at birth and how many she uses throughout her reproductive life. The causes of early menopause are related to:
- An ovarian failure
- Family background
- Surgeries
- Chemotherapy treatments
Women who have had a family member with early menopause have a higher risk of having it, in the same way, if they have undergone an ovarian removal before the age of 40. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy cause ovarian follicles to lose, and smoking addiction can have the same effect.
Hormones play a protective role, especially in the reproductive stage, and if these fail at an age that does not correspond, they will affect both physically and psychologically.
Symptoms of early menopause
The symptoms of early menopause are more intense and are due to a decrease in estrogen levels and are presented as follows:
- Menstrual irregularity with more or less heavy periods.
- Weight changes
- Hot flashes are more severe in the first two years.
- Dry eyes, skin, and mouth.
- Differences in response to sexual stimuli and desire.
- Urinary incontinence
- Insomnia.
- Pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness.
- Humor changes.
To diagnose early menopause, it will be necessary to do a physical examination and a blood test, especially to rule out pregnancy or thyroid problems.
How long do the symptoms of early menopause last?
Although each body is different, general symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia usually appear for at least the first year and gradually disappear. However, in a small percentage of women, they can present for up to five years.
Complications of early menopause
The low levels of estrogen that a woman faces during this process can bring changes in health and risks of suffering from some medical conditions. On the other hand, unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and bone density lead to osteoporosis.
It will also be prone to weight gains and changes in your body structure, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Another risk of losing estrogen at an unusual age is developing cancer of the ovary, breast, or uterus.
Early menopause and pregnancy
During the premenopausal period, there may be a possibility of pregnancy since ovulation has not finished. However, there is a significant decrease in the levels of estrogen and progesterone that act on the eggs. The only way to get pregnant with menopause is through assisted reproduction, using in vitro fertilization with donor eggs, or if you have preserved yours before menopause.
Treatment for early menopause
Hormone replacement therapy will be the appropriate treatment, significantly to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and vaginal dryness. They consist of estrogens and sometimes progesterone that can be presented in a patch, pill, or gel format. The administration of the dose of these medications must be personalized and supervised by your gynecologist. This therapy will only be prescribed if you are not at risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, or breast cancer.
If you are at risk from hormone therapy, another treatment for early menopause is antidepressant, anticonvulsant, or antihypertensive. If you want to get pregnant, consult your doctor for the option of assisted reproduction.
recommendations
Some lifestyle changes will help you reduce your risk of having early menopause or coping with symptoms:
- Get regular physical activity, especially those that help strengthen your pelvis and vaginal muscles.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet and foods like soybeans since they contain estrogens.
- Eliminate the cigarette.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Increase your calcium intake not only through food but also through some supplements.
- Visit your doctor annually.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Precocious menopause: causes and symptoms, we recommend that you enter our category of the Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.