Premature Menopause Symptoms

Menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation, occurs for most women between the ages of 47 and 55. But for a small percentage of women, menopause occurs markedly earlier--before the age of 40. This is called premature menopause. Women who suffer from premature menopause are often shocked and devastated to find out that their reproductive years are coming to an end, particularly if they have not yet started a family. Premature menopause should not be confused with early-onset menopause which is when menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40 and 45.

What Happens in Premature Menopause?

• Premature menopause is said to have begun when the ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate a woman's reproductive cycle. By the time menopause is finished, these hormone levels are one-tenth the amount they were before menopause, making pregnancy an impossibility.

Causes

• Premature menopause can result from genetic abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic disorders such as Addison's disease or diabetes. A woman under the age of 40 who has had her ovaries surgically removed will go through premature menopause. Premature menopause might also occur if a woman has undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer. Premature ovarian failure (POV) is also another cause for premature menopause. POV occurs when the ovaries either stop producing eggs or stop producing the hormones needed to ovulate.

Signs and Symptoms

• As with ordinary menopause, the signs of premature menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, changes to the monthly menstrual cycle (shortening of the cycle), headaches, joint pain and body aches, vaginal dryness or fatigue. Other symptoms may include bloating, an increased number of yeast infections and loss of libido. If premature menopause was caused by surgery, illness or genetic issues, the symptoms may be more intense because the decline in estrogen levels occurs more rapidly than in naturally occurring menopause.

Treatment

• There is no cure for premature menopause. Some physicians will prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when symptoms are very severe. With HRT, a woman takes a small dose of synthetic estrogen in pill or patch form to fulfill the role of the absent hormone in her body. This substitution will substantially ease her discomfort.

Warning

• If you decide to have HRT, note that long-term hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and blood clots. Ask your doctor about the length of your treatment and whether any natural alternatives are possible.