- Premature/early menopause means a woman’s ovaries have stopped working and your monthly period ceases
- Premature menopause occurs before the age of 40 (1%)
- Early menopause occurs between 41 -45 (8%)
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) happens when your periods stop spontaneously, either prematurely or early – this is not the same as ‘menopause’ because there is still the small possibility ovarian function may spontaneously resume and this does not happen after ‘menopause’
- Perimenopause symptoms for premature/early menopause is the same as for menopause at the average age (51)
- Some common symptoms can include; irregular period flow and cycle, night sweats, hot flushes, weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and urinary problems
- Possible causes; autoimmune conditions (10-30%), genetic conditions (5-30%), viral infections and unknown (60%)
- It can also be due to ovarian insufficiency where your periods stop resulting from chemotherapy treatment for cancer or surgically induced menopause when the ovaries are removed
- Diagnosis requires a comprehensive family medical history and possibly a number of tests
- If you are diagnosed with early or premature menopause your doctor may recommend hormone therapy to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
- Being diagnosed with premature menopause can be emotionally devastating so counselling and support groups are recommended
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