What to know about early menopause – Causes, symptoms and treatment

Early menopause is a health condition that women go through early, which is below expected. Basically, menopause is the point when your menstrual periods end. If you experience 12 months straight without a period, you’ve just gone through menopause.

Early menopause occurs before the age of 45. It is possible to start having irregular periods a few years before your final one. Changes in vaginal bleeding, longer or shorter menstrual cycles are all signs of menopause. At this juncture, you can talk to a doctor about it to know the likely causes. 

Symptoms 

Hormonal changes can cause the following symptoms: 

1. Vaginal dryness.

2. Racing heart. 

3. Breast tenderness.

4. Frequent urge to pee.

5.  Difficulty sleeping.

READ ALSO: Menopause and your emotions

Causes

1. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

These therapies for cancer can actually affect ovulation. They contribute to some of its symptoms, which occur shortly after the treatment. Although periods may return after chemotherapy and there might be chances of getting pregnant. Radiation done at the belly, lower spine, and pelvis can stop ovulation.

2. Natural decline of hormones

Right from the late 30s, the ovaries start to produce less hormones that control your period called estrogen and progesterone. It is quite difficult to get pregnant when they are at lower levels. 

From the age of 40, menstrual periods may get lighter or heavier, shorter or longer, which could all happen more often or less often. By the age of 51, the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Then, there would be no menstruation.

3. Removal of the ovaries

Surgery done to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) instantly causes menopause because ovaries make hormones that control the menstrual cycle. You’re likely to experience severe symptoms because the surgery would definitely affect you.

Effects of menopause

1. Sex problems

Menopause causes the vagina to lose its stretch and also make it drier. This can result in little bleeding and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Less desire for sex or feelings can reduce drastically.

2. Weight gain

After or during the transition to menopause, many women gain weight because the metabolism which helps with calories burning slows down. 

3. Heart and blood vessel disease

The chance of getting heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease) increases when your estrogen levels fall. Heart disease can lead to death. 

Treatment for early menopause 

Treatment depends on when you started going through menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is highly recommended by healthcare providers because of the risks involved when you stop ovulating. This therapy restores lost hormones, reduces the symptoms and effects. Until you reach 51 years old before you halt this therapy.