1. Autoimmune Disorder
This is one of the most common causes of early menopause; in fact, up to two thirds of women going through early menopause have an autoimmune disorder. The disorder causes your immune system to attack itself with its own antibodies. The antibodies also attack your reproductive system and can ultimately completely destroy ovarian function. A family history of autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis could put you at significantly greater risk of early menopause.
2. Irregular Chromosomes
Some cases of hereditary early menopause are caused by defects on the X chromosome. Even if only one of women's two X chromosomes are active, an irregularity on either can cause early menopause. Chromosomal irregularity is also known as fragile X syndrome. It manifests by interfering with the production of eggs. Fragile X carriers have a fewer number of eggs in their ovaries to start with, which will lead to earlier menopause, usually 6 to 8 years earlier than a healthy woman.
3. Hysterectomy Affects Hormones
A total hysterectomy is one of the most common causes of premature menopause. It is difficult do deal with the aftereffects from the surgery as well as oncoming menopause. Often menopause will occur after you have had both ovaries removed because your estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically promoting onset of menopause. This can also increase the intensity of symptoms beyond those that women who arrive at menopause spontaneously experience.
4. Ovarian Damage After Surgery
If you have retained at least one ovary, you can usually continue producing enough hormones to keep you from going into premature menopause. However, in some cases, even when an ovary is left intact, it fails. This can happen straight after surgery or some years later. When the ovary becomes damaged or if surgery has damaged the blood vessels, blood flow to the ovary is prevented. Some women experience early menopause after tubal litigation (getting your tubes tied).
5. Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy
These types of cancer treatments can cause early menopause to occur. Unfortunately, the doses of radiation or chemotherapy that is required to kill cancer can also often cause damage to the ovaries, which will result in premature menopause. In some cases, if you have received just a low dose of chemotherapy or radiation, then you may experience temporary menopause. Even if you periods do return, you will usually remain infertile.
