The average age of menopause in women living in the most developed countries today is 51 years. However, in some cases, menopause occurs in women under the age of forty years - they are called early. In addition to the common symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, hot flashes, and other women who have early menopause comes, we have to deal with psychological problems; they can be particularly acute if a woman is planning to become pregnant.

Causes of early menopause

Causes of early menopause may be:

• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy pelvic region. Such treatment may result in damage to the ovaries, because of which sometimes break off periods. The effects of treatment, such as fertility problems Conception - as the emerging life May occur immediately or within a few months after starting treatment. Chance of menopause depends on the type and duration of treatment. Furthermore, the younger the woman is, the less likely it is that due to therapy her menopause;
• Surgical removal of the ovaries. Removing both ovaries, or bilateral oophorectomy leads to menopause immediately after surgery. As a result, monthly terminated, the level of female hormones decreases dramatically, and the woman may experience very severe symptoms of menopause, such as menopausal hot flashes and loss of libido;
• Surgical removal of the uterus. In some cases, women who are doing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), ovaries remain so, though, and they stop getting their periods, menopause does not begin immediately, as the ovaries continue to produce hormones. However, the climax of such patients usually starts at how years earlier than the majority of women;
• Chromosomal abnormalities can also lead to early menopause;
• Genetic factors. If close relatives a woman climax came at a relatively early age, there is an increased likelihood that she will come early menopause;
• Autoimmune disease. Early menopause can occur in women suffering from thyroid dysfunction and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of early menopause

Symptoms of early menopause may be:

• Menstrual irregularities, absence of menstruation for several months;
• More or less abundant than normal menstrual bleeding;
• Hot flashes;
• Vaginal dryness;
• Urinary incontinence or problems with urination;
• Emotional problems (irritability, mood swings, mild depression);
• Dryness of the skin, eyes and mouth;
• Drowsiness;
• Weakening of sexual desire.
• If you are under 45 years old, and you have any symptoms such as soon as possible to consult with your doctor.

Diagnostics

If you suspect a doctor early menopause, primarily carried out a medical examination and a blood test to rule out other possible causes of the above symptoms, such as pregnancy and disruption of the thyroid gland. It can also be analyzed at the level of the hormone estradiol. Reduced levels of estradiol - a form of estrogen - indicates that the ovaries begin to work increasingly less active. However, the most important in the diagnosis of premature menopause is a blood test for follicle-stimulating hormone. It stimulates the production of estrogen in the ovaries, and when reduced ovarian activity and estrogen produces smaller, FSH level increases. If the level of this hormone is greater than 40 mIU / mL, in most cases it means that women have menopause.

What health problems can be associated with early menopause

Regardless of the age at which menopause occurs it leads to a decrease in estrogen levels in the blood. Low levels of this hormone leads to changes in the health status of women in general, and increases the likelihood of developing certain diseases, such as osteoporosis. In addition, early menopause is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer and colon cancer, periodontal disease, and cataracts. Lowering estrogen levels may also lead to tooth loss. It is important to bear in mind that women with early menopause occurs, is carried out without the natural protection of estrogen a greater life span than women whose menopause begins after fifty years. Therefore, the likelihood of developing these diseases have significantly higher than average.

Treatment of early menopause

To facilitate the physical symptoms of early menopause using the same methods as in the conventional approach of menopause. If early menopause led to the emergence of severe problems in the emotional sphere, it is advisable to turn to a psychologist, and the sooner the better. If a woman will be a long time to ignore their psychological problems, which may lead to aggravation in the future.

Women who want to become pregnant How to Get Pregnant: Recommendations to help Also as soon as possible to see a doctor. Up until ovulation and menses have not stopped completely, there is a possibility that with the help of various modern methods of infertility treatment Infertility treatment - modern methods   the woman will be able to get pregnant.

Early menopause in most cases is irreversible. If all signs point to the fact that menopause has occurred, it is highly unlikely that the ovaries begin to function again.

Related Articles

Menopause and Weight Gain - when you worry?

Early menopause - "guilty" heredity, stress and intoxication