Menopause

Cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatments and autoimmune diseases commonly bring on premature menopause. An autoimmune disease is an immune system malfunction where the body’s own cells attack itself. In premature menopause, the antibodies produced attack the ovaries and cause egg production to stop. A hysterectomy is another cause of premature menopause. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries. Once a hysterectomy takes place, menopause will always occur within a few days. Sometimes premature menopause occurs naturally meaning there is no surgical cause or disease. In this case premature menopause is considered to be premature ovarian failure. This can be devastating to women who have not yet had the chance to plan for kids.

Premature ovarian failure doesn’t necessarily mean that the ovaries have stopped producing eggs. In some cases, the body is not responding to the signals that tell it to ovulate. Women with premature ovarian failure may sometimes still have periods but they will test at postmenopausal estrogen levels. Occasionally women with premature ovarian failure will still ovulate and can become pregnant.

Hot flashes are one of the most well known symptoms of menopause. Vaginal dryness, mood swings, depression, loss of interest in sex, and problems sleeping are other common symptoms. There may be a change in body odor, gas and bloating, and an increase in allergies. Fingernails may break easier and osteoporosis is likely. The symptoms of premature menopause are similar to the symptoms of menopause.

Premature menopause is diagnosed by a blood test. Estradiol levels, which are a type of estrogen, will be measured. When this level is below 36, menopause is suggested. Another test is for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). When this level is above 30 menopause is indicated.

There is no cure for premature menopause. Once it has occurred, it is irreversible. There is also no way to prevent it. Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen is effective in preventing the common symptoms of menopause and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. Women who experience premature menopause have a greater risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis than women who go through normal menopause. Other health risks include colon or ovarian cancer, gum disease, and cataracts. Progesterone should be taken along with the estrogen.

Although pregnancy may still occur with premature ovarian failure, it is rare. Women with premature menopause who wish to have a baby may do so with the help of donor eggs from another women. This is a fertility treatment similar to in vitro fertilization. Premature menopause can be devastating, but there are many successful ways to deal with it and go on to live a full and happy life.