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Menopause creeps up on you. So, you can only imagine the surprise among women who go through early menopause.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to better understanding early menopause, answering questions like what causes it, its symptoms, and how to manage it effectively.
Suppose you’re experiencing early menopause or seeking information for a close friend, relative, or loved one. In that case, this deep exploration of this sensitive topic will help navigate this significant life transition.
Understanding Early Menopause
What is Early Menopause?
Early menopause, the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, and a decrease in the production of estrogen and other hormones, happens to 1% of women under 40% and 5% of women under 45.
Difference Between Early and Premature Menopause
Early menopause and premature menopause aren’t the same. There’s a slight difference between these two: age.
Early menopause occurs between 40 and 45, while premature menopause occurs before age 40.
However, in terms of causes, symptoms, and management strategies, both are similar.
Causes of Early Menopause
Genetic Factors
Specific genetic conditions can lead to early menopause, including Turner syndrome, a female-exclusive genetic disorder that affects 1 out of 2,500 women.
Also, if your mother, aunt, grandmother, and other relatives experience menopause early, you’re at a higher risk.
Medical Conditions
A perfectly healthy individual can go through early menopause because of a medical condition like:
- HIV/AIDS
- Mumps (if it extends to the ovaries)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Eating disorders
- High-stress levels
- Chronic exposure to harmful chemicals
- Poor nutrition
Medical Treatments and Surgeries
While uncommon, undergoing specific types of medical surgery can put you at a higher risk of early menopause.
The most common examples are procedures for cancer treatment, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, oophorectomy, or the surgical removal of ovaries, and hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, can both induce early menopause.
Symptoms of Early Menopause
Common Symptoms
There’s no difference between the symptoms of early menopause, natural menopause, and premature menopause.
Early menopause is still characterized by:
- Irregular or missed periods to complete stoppage of menstrual cycle for twelve straight months
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Decreased libido
Impact on Mental Health
Menopause itself is a profound journey that many women struggle with, even when it comes naturally. But for women who go through early menopause, the effects can be much worse.
Aside from the usual hormonal changes, the stress of the unexpected transition can lead to a heightened risk for depressive episodes and anxiety.
Women going through early menopause are encouraged to seek professional counseling and reach out to family and friends for emotional support.
Long-term Health Effects
Because of the early onset of the dropping of estrogen levels, early menopause can have a lasting impact on women’s health.
It can affect cognitive function (higher risk for dementia), cardiovascular health (more prone to heart disease, and bone health (more likely to develop osteoporosis.
Diagnosing Early Menopause
Medical History and Physical Exam
To completely rule out other potential complications, see a specialist first.
Your healthcare provider will take note of your symptoms, including your menstrual cycle and your family’s association with early menopause.
A physical examination can help rule out estrogen deficiency.
Hormone Level Tests
Healthcare providers will check for elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or low levels of estradiol and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).
You may have to take these tests multiple times for a complete diagnosis.
Other Diagnostic Tests
Other tests you may have to take to assess your overall physical well-being are thyroid function tests, prolactin level tests, genetic testing, and a bone density scan.
Management Strategies for Early Menopause
Early diagnosis is critical to proper early menopause management.
The sooner you find out if you’re experiencing menopause earlier than you should, the more you can prepare and take proactive measures.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRTs can supplement your lower levels of estrogen (and progesterone if you still have your uterus).
Taking HRTs for early menopause can help relieve common symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and bring potential bone and cardiovascular health benefits.
However, HRT carries certain risks. Before taking HRTs, discuss it with your healthcare provider first.
Lifestyle Changes
For sustainable management of early menopause symptoms, adopt the following lifestyle changes:
- Exercise more
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take up meditation and yoga to improve flexibility and mobility and reduce stress.
- Get at least eight hours of quality sleep at night
- Drink more water
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies like taking herbal supplements, booking acupuncture sessions, and investing in cooling your home and environment to reduce hot flashes may provide relief from menopause symptoms.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, in particular, work wonders against menopause symptoms because they help relieve stress.
Psychological Support
Early menopause isn’t the same as menopause. It’s a more delicate situation that requires more intensive psychological support from specialists who have helped patients with similar conditions.
In addition to counselling and psychotherapy, joining support groups can give you a sense of belonging and prevent you from feeling isolated.
Diet and Nutrition Tips
A diet with the right mix of essential nutrients can help manage early menopause, making it less likely that symptoms will negatively impact quality of life.
Essential Nutrients
The most essential nutrients for menopause are calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytoestrogens.
Foods to Include
Here are examples of food that you should add to your daily diet:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
- Whole grains
- Legumes and beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables
Foods to Avoid
In general, you should avoid unhealthy food, such as sugary snacks and processed foods, even if you’re not experiencing early menopause.
However, even caffeine and alcohol aren’t good for you. Both can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Benefits of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise improves heart, bone, and mental health, helps you lose weight, and reduces stress and anxiety.
It’s no wonder, then, that experts recommend menopausal women take fitness and exercise a lot more seriously.
Recommended Exercises
Experts recommend mixing aerobic exercises with strength and flexibility training for variety and optimal benefits while maximising time spent.
Tips for Staying Active
Most people don’t like exercise, and it’s not easy to force yourself to love physical activity. An excellent compromise is to find something you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.
If you’re a social person, you can join a fitness class or invite a friend to join you in your fitness journey.
Setting specific goals and celebrating milestones can keep you motivated and consistent if you're goal-oriented.
Regardless of what you do to stay active, remember to drink water. Hydration is vital to health, especially if you’re going through early menopause.
Coping with Early Menopause
Emotional and Mental Health Support
It’s important to seek emotional and mental health support. But you should also help yourself.
Speak to a therapist, book a counselling session, and learn mindfulness practices.
The better you can manage the stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that come with early menopause, the less likely it will have a negative impact on your life.
Support Groups and Resources
Many women experience early menopause, and some aren’t afraid to form communities where people with similar situations can seek emotional refuge and access resources that may not be readily available to the general public.
Sharing experiences and advice and talking to others going through early menopause can be therapeutic.
Communicating with Family and Friends
Let your close friends and family members know what you’re going through. They may not be able to relate, but at least this lets them better understand what’s going on in your life. Keeping them in the loop can allow your loved ones to help you through such a trying time.
If you’re married or you’re in a long-term relationship, consider couple’s counselling if your early menopause is straining your relationship with each other.
Success Stories
Real-life Experiences with Early Menopause
Listening to other women who successfully navigated early menopause can inspire, motivate, and comfort you. More importantly, their insights offer a rare perspective of what it’s like to cope with early menopause and how to manage it better.
Personal Testimonials
A first-hand perspective from someone who went through or is still going through early menopause will help you face this challenge head-on and find ways to thrive.
Conclusion
Early menopause isn’t easy. But it’s not impossible to navigate. Many online resources help you through this complicated and challenging time.
Don’t forget that you’re not alone, and no menopause experience is universal.
Be patient with yourself, don’t be afraid to experiment, and keep your loved ones informed. But, perhaps most important of all is that you seek professional help. By doing these things, you can maintain a high quality of life despite early menopause.
Remember that menopause is a celebratory time—it marks the beginning of a new phase in your life’s journey.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of early menopause?
Early menopause symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
How does early menopause affect fertility and pregnancy?
Early menopause reduces fertility, making natural conception challenging, but fertility treatments or egg donation may help.
What are the causes and risk factors for early menopause?
Causes of early menopause include genetics, autoimmune diseases, medical treatments like chemotherapy, and smoking.
How is early menopause diagnosed, and what tests are involved?
Early menopause is diagnosed through hormone level blood tests, especially checking FSH and estrogen.
What treatment options are available for managing early menopause symptoms?
Treatment options for early menopause include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.
