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Environmental Causes of Early Menopause

The average age women reach menopause in the United States is 51. However, the age at which a woman reaches this stage varies immensely, so it is difficult to categorize menopause as "late" or "early."

  1. About

    • Onset of menopause is considered to be normal any time after the age of 40. Various factors, including heredity, physical health and environmental factors that affect a woman's body can influence the onset of menopause.

    Fact

    • Premature menopause is irreversible. Once onset has begun, its effects cannot be prevented or reversed.

    Causes

    • Poor nutrition and a stressful lifestyle are two environmental factors that can cause menopause to start earlier than normal. Excessive smoking and drinking can also cause early menopause.

    Symptoms

    • Menopause brings about many symptoms that vary in intensity from one woman to the next. Menopausal women may experience mood swings and hot flashes. Most prominently, menstrual periods will become irregular. This is an important symptom for women who are experiencing early menopause to be aware of because it will cause infertility.

    Treatment

    • While early menopause cannot be halted, symptoms can be treated through hormone therapy and various homeopathic remedies. Younger women who still wish to have children may seek fertility treatments.

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