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Management of Early Menopause

A woman's body goes through multiple periods of physical change during a lifetime. One such period is menopause, which generally occurs when a woman enters middle age. Sometimes, however, menopause happens earlier than expected. Early menopause can be managed in much the same way as menopause that occurs when expected, so women who experience early menopause should not be disheartened.

  1. Support

    • Get support. Menopause can be emotionally taxing. This is because menopause often causes a woman to question her roles and worth, since the ability to have children is lost. It also is taxing because family members can find it difficult to empathize with or to understand menopause symptoms such as hot flashes or anxiety. Close friends can be a good support network for someone whose menopause happens early, as they can allow a woman to talk about what she is experiencing as her body changes. If close friends are not available for some reason, women can find support from trained professionals such as doctors, therapists, or members of the clergy.

    Doctors

    • See a doctor. Many of the symptoms of menopause, whether it occurs early or when expected around age 50, are caused by the body's change in hormones. Hormones, for example, help to keep moods stable, so during menopause, a woman often experiences drastic mood swings. A doctor can prescribe therapies that can alleviate such symptoms, such as estrogen supplements. Even when a woman does not need treatment for menopause symptoms, a doctor can help the woman understand what is happening to her physically. This can help the woman to feel empowered and reduce anxiety that may be related to a lack of knowledge.

    Diet and Exercise

    • Manage diet well and exercise. When a woman goes through menopause, her body changes radically in terms of what nutrients, vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper mental and physical health. Calcium, for instance, often needs to be increased, and caloric intake should usually be lessened. To manage early menopause symptoms, women should eat a wide variety of foods, especially those that are rich in protein and essential fatty acids. Engaging in moderate exercise also can help, since it has a positive impact on metabolism and energy levels. Try to exercise at least twice a week for half an hour. Exercises needn't be at the gym. A simple walk around the block counts, as does shooting some hoops in the backyard.

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