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Early Menopause Solutions

Early menopause, also known as perimenopause, is the time in which a female's body starts to enter menopause. A woman can be in early menopause from two to eight years and this starts the end of the reproductive years. Estrogen levels will fluctuate during perimenopause and cause menstrual periods to be irregular.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of early menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness and a decrease in fertility. Declining estrogen levels cause bone loss and can lead to osteoporosis. Vaginal tissue can lose elasticity making intercourse painful and contribute to urinary incontinence.

    Diagnosis

    • A physician will perform a physical exam and draw blood to rule out pregnancy or thyroid disease. He may also order a test of your blood for estrogen levels. Low levels of estrogen indicate that the ovaries are starting to fail. Another blood test measures follicle stimulating hormone, also called FSH, which stimulates your ovaries to produce estrogen. When FSH levels increase it indicates your ovaries are slowing their production of estrogen. When infertility decreases during early menopause, women who want to get pregnant should discuss their options with their doctor.

    Treatment

    • Oral contraceptives can help alleviate hot flashes and vaginal dryness. People who would rather not take oral contraceptives can try progestin therapy. Progestin therapy regulates and diminishes heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. A procedure called endometrial ablation uses a laser to destroy the lining of the uterus. This reduces menstrual flow or can permanently end it. The procedure is not for everyone, but your doctor will know if it is right for you. During early menopause your risk for osteoporosis and heart disease increase so it is important to follow a diet high in fiber and low in fat. Take a calcium supplement and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Regular exercise can help with sleep problems and elevate mood. Reducing stress in your life with meditation or yoga can make the transition of early menopause easier.

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