Menopause Before 40

Premature Menopause

Menopause usually affects woman between the ages of 35 and 55.  Most woman will complete the menopausal transition by the age 55.  Menopause is a natural occurrence that happens to the female body.  However, some woman may experience menopause in their 20′s or 30′s, this is often referred to as premature menopause.

Premature menopause is when a woman at a younger age is experience menopause symptoms.  Premature menopause has three common causes.

The most common cause for premature menopause is a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy.  When the ovaries are removed menopause begins.

A woman can experience premature menopause if she if undergoing treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Genetics can also be the culprit for premature menopause.

Most woman can estimate the time in which she may experience the change, by knowing the age of her mother and grandmother was when they went through the change.

No matter what the cause is, though, most woman who experience premature menopause symptoms are beside themselves, wandering why me?  They are often left confused as to what is happening in their body and how they are to manage the symptoms they are experiencing.  Premature menopausal women have the same symptoms as that of an older woman going through the menopausal transition.  In some cases of premature menopause it may be necessary to have prescribed medications to control and maintain symptoms.

Some signs of early menopause symptoms include the same symptoms as regular menopause symptoms like, hot flashes, moodiness, and night sweats.  You may experience an urgency to use the restroom, or you may become irritable for no reason.  These conditions all can be menopause symptoms.  You may experience one, two or all symptoms, you can experience them by themselves, separately, or in combination with each other.  Many times one symptom will bring forth another symptom like having night sweats or incontinence can be very discerning causing mood swings and irritability.

It is usually recommended that any woman experiencing menopause should do some preventative measures and it is said to be beneficial in premature menopausal women as well.  Exercise is vital in keeping the bones regenerated and a relaxed mind.  A good healthy diet can reduce hot flashes and night sweats as well as promote good health.

Hormone therapy is usually standard treatment in treating premature menopause.  Estrogen and progesterone are given usually in the oral contraceptive form to balance the hormone levels in the body.  This treatment also helps preven hot flashes and night sweats.  There are however, some side effect risks including some types of cancers and heart disease, associated with this treatment.

Vaginal dryness and decreased libido are often symptoms of menopausal women.  These symptoms can be very upsetting, especially in younger woman.  There are treatments available to help aid in these situations, like KY jelly, or other vaginal lubricants.  There are also vaginal estrogen creams, pills, and rings available to not only help in hormone replacement but help prevent bone loss and provides lubrication.