Menopause is a transition women normally go through in their early 50s. It is defined as a discontinuation of the menstrual period for 12 consecutive months that is not due to a known cause. It signals a period when the ovaries produce fewer hormones such as estrogen and others. In some cases, a women may experience early menopause. Early menopause is diagnosed when this transition occurs in women who are 40 years old or younger. Early menopause can occur for numerous reasons.
Identification
Early menopause can occur naturally. It can be caused by genetic factors or autoimmune diseases, or it can induced through a medical procedure. Early menopause can bring on some of the same symptoms as when it occurs later in life, such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and trouble concentrating.
Significance
Women who go through early menopause may experience the typical symptoms, but they may be more severe than when menopause occurs in older women. In addition, because the estrogen levels are dropping at an earlier age, the bones may lose density even faster. Low bone density levels can lead to osteoporosis. Another complication with early menopause is infertility, and to date there is no cure for this condition. If you desire to have children, you will need to explore in vitro fertilization, the use of donor eggs or adoption.
Causes
Premature menopause can be caused by genetic factors. Defects in the chromosomes can be one cause. If you were born without a second X chromosome or without part of it, you may be at a higher risk. If your ovaries did not form normally, early menopause can occur. You are also at risk for early menopause if it runs in your family, your ovaries are surgically removed, or you are receiving chemotherapy or pelvic radiation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing premature menopause may require more than just the absence of your period for 12 months. If you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor can run tests to determine if you are in menopause. This includes a blood test that measures follicle-stimulating hormone since levels of this hormone rise when the ovaries stop making estrogen. Your doctor can also test your levels of estradiol and luteinizing hormones. Levels of these hormones also change as you enter menopause.
Treatment
For many women, menopause symptoms are not severe enough to need treatment. However, if you and your doctor decide to start treatment for early menopause, you would use the same treatment options available to women who go through menopause at a later age. This can include hormone replacement therapy, eating a diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, or taking supplements. If you smoke, you need to stop, and you also need to make exercise a way of life, especially weight-bearing exercise to stimulate your bones.
