DEFINITION OF PREMATURE MENOPAUSEWith premature menopause the ovaries cease to function properly due to either a drop in your female hormones, or you have stopped producing eggs in your thirties or early forties. Natural menopause, which is slow and gradual usually occurs between forty-five and fifty-five, with fifty-one being the average. 1% of women will experience early menopause. And sudden menopause, due to surgery, radiation /chemotherapy, or medication will affect twenty-five percent of women.
CAUSES OF Early Menopause
• Autoimmune disorders: the body develops antibodies to its own ovum and menses. • Genetic factors: You are either born with two few eggs, or you have an irregularity on your x chromosome. • Surgical menopause. You’ve had your ovaries removed. This is not to be confused with a hysterectomy without removal of the ovaries because a woman will not go into sudden and severe menopause unless her ovaries have been removed. • Cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and/or radiation may cause you to have a premature menopause. Children who undergo cancer treatments may have a premature menopause later in life. • Chronic stress. Stress can affect the proper functioning of your hormones. • Extreme dieting or athleticism. Again, this can affect the proper functioning of your female hormones. • Certain drugs used to induce menopause for medical reasons. RISKS AND COMPLAINTS OF EARLY MENOPAUSE The earlier you go through menopause, the lower your bone density will be later in life. Therefore, you will definitely want to talk to your health care provider about preserving your bone strength through your diet, possibly hormone replacement therapy, and possibly natural remedies, and you will need to do something about your fitness, right now. The problem with surgical menopause is that it is sudden, and therefore your body will not have a chance to slowly get used to the decline in female hormones which will likely mean that your menopausal symptoms will be more severe than someone going through a natural menopause. In this case, hormone replacement therapy may be an option for you so that your symptoms are bearable. Of course, you will need to discuss this with your health care professional. Most women with sudden menopause will experience: • Severe hot flashes • Extreme fatigue • Extreme mood swings • Extreme depression SILVER LINING Hormone replacement therapy and natural remedies can provide some relief, and they may protect your bones.
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