1. Reasons for Early Menopause
Menopause occurs typically after a woman turns 45, but there are many different reasons it can occur earlier. A woman who has a hysterectomy goes into early menopause. Ovarian failure before the age of 45 is also considered early menopause. And some women just genetically go through it at an earlier age. Consult with your primary health care provider for guidance and steps to take if you experience any signs of early menopause. Your doctor may want to run tests in order to rule out any other diseases or causes for your early menopause.
2. Read the Physical Signs
Signs of early menopause are similar to the signs of menopause in woman over 45 years of age. Different women suffer from different symptoms, but the most common sign of early menopause is missed periods. Other symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and headaches. Vaginal dryness and lack of sexual desire can also be signs. These symptoms can be attributed to other conditions or diseases, so make sure that your health care provider rules out any other causes.
3. Ride the Emotional Rollercoaster
Women experiencing menopausal symptoms can suffer from emotional symptoms, as well. Feelings of anxiety, depression and mood swings are common. Many experience forgetfulness, as well as mental disorientation. Sleeping may become difficult and feeling irritable can become a way of life. Many of these symptoms are due to the estrogen fluctuation a woman experiences during menopause. Estrogen is a female hormone that regulates the reproductive system.
4. Early May Mean Severe
Many women going through early menopause experience more severe symptoms. They often go through menopause because of illness or surgical menopause, which causes their estrogen levels to drop dramatically in a shorter period of time. This causes an "Estrogen Crash," resulting in more severe symptoms. Women often experience symptoms in quick succession following illness or surgery. Talk to your primary health care provider if your menopausal symptoms are severe.
5. Treatment Choices
Women going through early menopause have more than one treatment option. There is no cure for menopause, but there are ways to make it easier for the women going through it and those around them. Early menopause is treated the same as menopause. Many women use HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, which replaces the hormones that your body is no longer producing. Many other women choose the natural option of plant estrogens. Soy, Flaxseed and Red Clover are popular choices of women opting for natural relief. Consult your primary care physician before starting any new treatments.
