Menopause is defined as a woman not ovulating, not menstruating, and no longer able to conceive naturally. A woman who does not menstruate for an average of 1 year is considered to be in the menopause period.
Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, and the average age of menopause is 51. When menopause occurs before the age of 40, it is referred to as premature menopause. About 1% of women under age 40 experience premature menopause. When menopause occurs between 41 and 45 years of age is called early menopause. About 5% of women under age 45 experience early menopause.
What causes premature menopause?
- Ovary removal surgery
- Uterus removal surgery
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Family history
- Chromosomal abnormalities (Fragile X, Turner’s syndrome)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Epilepsy
- Smoking
There is a high risk of early menopause in women with a family history of early menopause.
What are the symptoms of premature menopause?
- Irregular periods
- Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Emotional changes
- Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth
- Breast tenderness
- Low libido
- Loss of bladder control
How is premature menopause treated?
Although its success has not been fully proven, Ovarian Rejuvenation PRP, Stem cell therapy and Ozone therapy are applied for women with premature menopause. Apart from these, there is no proven treatment to prevent premature menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment option for women with early menopause to prevent or reduce postmenopausal health problems. After menopause, a woman cannot ovulate and become pregnant naturally. However, a woman can become pregnant through IVF using eggs she has previously got frozen at a clinic. You can freeze and store your eggs against the risk of premature menopause, and increase awareness of premature ovarian failure.
