What is Early Menopause?

Early menopause: What it is, Symptoms and Treatment

Menopause, the natural transition marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

But for around 1% of women worldwide, this transition happens much earlier, leading to a condition known as early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or premature menopause.

Early menopause leads to the gradual decline of menstruation and a decline in ovarian function before the age of 40, which can be a life-altering experience.

It can disrupt family planning, negatively impact physical and emotional well-being, and raise concerns about long-term health risks.

Hence, we put together this guide to help you understand the various factors that can contribute to its onset, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and the effective management approaches available.

Read on!

What causes early menopause?

The reasons behind early menopause can be diverse and complex. Here's a closer look at some of the key factors that can contribute to this condition:

1. Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and familial POI, can increase the risk of early ovarian failure. These conditions may affect chromosome makeup or genes involved in ovarian function.

2. Autoimmune disorders: When the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, it can lead to autoimmune diseases. Conditions like autoimmune thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Addison's disease can sometimes target the ovaries, causing premature ovarian insufficiency.

3. Medical treatments: Aggressive medical treatments for certain cancers, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy involving the pelvic region, can damage ovarian function and accelerate ovarian ageing, leading to early menopause.

4. Surgical interventions: Surgical procedures that necessitate the removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) or a hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries will inevitably induce menopause, often occurring prematurely.

5. Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, and pollutants may contribute to ovarian dysfunction. Studies suggest a potential link between exposure to certain toxins and an increased risk of early menopause.

Signs and symptoms of early menopause

Early menopause can present with a variety of symptoms, and their intensity can vary from woman to woman. Here are some key signs to be aware of:

1. Irregular or skipped periods: One of the hallmark signs of early menopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. You may experience irregular periods, skipped periods, or periods that become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual.

2. Hot flashes and night sweats: These are classic symptoms of menopause, characterised by sudden feelings of intense heat and sweating that can occur during the day (hot flashes) or at night (night sweats). They can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

3. Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Decreased estrogen levels during early menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse. You may also experience urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or urgency.

4. Mood changes and emotional symptoms: Hormonal fluctuations associated with early menopause can affect mood and emotional well-being. You may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating.

5. Sleep disturbances: Many women with early menopause experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Night sweats can further disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.

6. Changes in libido: Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect libido or sexual desire. Some women may experience a decrease in libido during early menopause, while others may notice an increase.

7. Physical changes: Other physical changes associated with early menopause may include dry skin, hair thinning or loss, weight gain, and changes in body composition.

It's important to note that these symptoms can sometimes be attributed to other health conditions.

However, if you do you experience any of these signs, or if they disrupt your daily life or cause significant distress, it may be beneficial to make that call to your gynaecologist for a proper diagnosis.

How do I treat early menopause?

Early menopause can present unique challenges, but there are effective management strategies available to help you navigate this transition. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Seeking medical guidance: Consulting a healthcare professional experienced in menopause management is crucial. They can perform tests to confirm early menopause and assess your individual needs.

  
  

• Understanding your options: There are various treatment options available to manage symptoms of early menopause and improve your quality of life. One of the most common approaches is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT involves using hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to replace the declining levels in your body. HRT can effectively alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. However, it's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT with your healthcare provider, as it may not be suitable for everyone.

  
  

• Addressing bone health: Early menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures due to declining estrogen levels. Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises and consuming a calcium-rich diet can help strengthen bones. Your doctor may also recommend bone density testing to assess your individual risk and discuss potential preventive medications like bisphosphonates.

  
  

• Monitor emotional well-being: Coping with the emotional impact of early menopause can be challenging. Here are some tips to support your emotional well-being:

  • Seek emotional support from loved ones, friends, or a therapist if needed. Talking about your experiences can help you feel less alone and provide valuable emotional support.

  • Practice self-care techniques such as mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and engage in activities you enjoy, like hobbies or spending time in nature.

  • Consider joining support groups or online communities for women experiencing early menopause. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can provide valuable camaraderie and reduce feelings of isolation.

    
    

• Preserve fertility: If you're concerned about fertility loss due to early menopause and wish to preserve your options for having children in the future, discuss fertility preservation techniques with a reproductive specialist. Options such as egg freezing or embryo cryopreservation may be available depending on your individual circumstances. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for maximizing the success of these fertility preservation techniques.

Navigating menopause the proactive way, with Arva

Early menopause can raise concerns about fertility and family planning.

The diagnosis of early menopause often comes as a surprise, and the emotional impact can be significant.

If you're concerned about your fertility potential due to early menopause, being proactive about it can be the first step.

That’s why at Arva, we worked to provide a supportive and informative environment where you can ask questions, get expert advice, and access resources, on a single platform.

Additionally, our fertility test helps you measure Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, a key indicator of your remaining egg supply.

By combining early detection with a proactive approach to wellness, Arva can help you effectively manage the challenges of early menopause.

Remember, you’re not alone♥️