Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. However, some women can experience early menopause, meaning menopause that occurs before age 45. There are several potential causes of early menopause:
- Premature ovarian failure (POF) - This refers to ovarian dysfunction due to depletion or dysfunction of ovarian follicles before age 40. POF causes menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and absent periods. POF can be caused by:
- Genetic factors - abnormalities of the X chromosome or other genes can impair normal ovarian function
- Autoimmune disorders - diseases like thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. can sometimes attack ovarian tissue
- Cancer treatments - chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage ovaries and deplete eggs
- Surgery - removal of ovaries for conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts
- Unknown factors - in many cases, no specific cause is found
- Surgical menopause - This refers to menopause occurring after removal of both ovaries. This may occur due to conditions like ovarian, breast, or uterine cancers, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, etc. Surgical removal leads to a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Lifestyle factors may also contribute to earlier menopause, like:
- Smoking - can impair ovarian blood flow and egg maturation
- Chemotherapy - can destroy ovarian follicles
- Radiation therapy - can damage ovaries, especially radiation to the pelvic area
- Toxins - pesticides, herbicides, etc. may accelerate ovarian aging
Symptoms vary but often include:
If you're experiencing early menopause symptoms, see your doctor. They can run blood tests of hormone levels to help diagnose.
Treatment options may include:
- Hormone therapy - estrogen/progestin pills, patches, gels to relieve hot flashes, vaginal symptoms
- Vaginal lubricants or moisturizers
- Low-dose antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds
- Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques
The experts at
Elite Hormone Health specialize in treating early menopause. With customized
bioidentical hormone therapy, lifestyle counseling, nutrition advice, and cutting edge therapies, they can help you find relief despite early menopause. Contact them today for a consultation!