Early Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Early menopause is a condition that causes concern for many women. In this article, we will discuss what early menopause is, how to diagnose it, and what treatment options exist to ease symptoms.

What is Early Menopause?

The average age of menopause onset in our country ranges from 49 to 51 years. However, if menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45, it is considered early menopause. When menopause occurs before the age of 40, it is referred to as premature ovarian failure.

What Happens to Women's Hormonal Balance?

With early menopause, the ovaries stop producing sex hormones, particularly estrogen. A deficiency of estrogen leads to changes in the physical and emotional state of a woman. These changes may present as the following symptoms:

Irregular periods, which may become either lighter or more frequent.
Hot flashes, feeling of heat, and skin dryness.
Vaginal dryness and itching.
Decreased skin elasticity, worsening of hair and nail conditions.
Excessive sweating, sleep disturbances.
Irritability, tearfulness, or aggression.
Migraines, headaches, frequent urination, and false urges.
Increased fatigue and low libido.

All these symptoms may indicate a deficiency of estradiol, which is the primary manifestation of early menopause.

Risk Factors for Early Menopause

Several factors can contribute to the early onset of menopause:

Heredity: If your mother experienced early menopause, the likelihood of this happening to you increases.
Ovarian surgeries: Even minimally invasive surgeries can reduce the ovarian reserve.
Autoimmune diseases: Especially those related to thyroid gland pathology.
Radiation therapy: After undergoing cancer treatment, the risk of early menopause increases.
Smoking: Women who smoke tend to experience menopause 1-2 years earlier.
Stress: Severe stress can be a contributing factor to premature menopause.

Diagnosis of Early Menopause

To diagnose early menopause, blood tests for hormones such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and AMH are necessary. If menstruation is still present, the tests are recommended to be taken during the first phase of the menstrual cycle (on days 2-3). If menstruation has ceased, the tests can be done on any day.

It is also important to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs to assess the condition of the ovaries and uterus.

Treatment of Early Menopause

For the treatment of early menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used. It helps restore the hormones that should be produced at this age. HRT is necessary for women with early menopause or premature ovarian failure until the age of 50.

Important: Like any treatment, hormone replacement therapy has contraindications, but for most women, it will provide more benefits than harm.

The decision to prescribe HRT is always up to the doctor and should be based on individual indications and contraindications.

Conclusion

Early menopause is a serious issue that requires attention. It is important not to ignore symptoms and to consult a specialist. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can minimize the consequences of early menopause and improve a woman's quality of life.

Take care of your health and visit your gynecologist regularly.

Short Description:

Learn what early menopause is, how to diagnose and treat it, and how to prevent its onset.