Early menopause

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Early Menopause is a medical condition where a woman's menstrual periods stop before the age of 45. It is also known as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) or Premature Menopause.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The causes of early menopause can be natural or induced. Natural causes include chromosome defects, autoimmune diseases, and unknown reasons. Induced causes include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and certain medications.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of early menopause are similar to those of natural menopause and include irregular periods, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, and decreased sexual desire.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Early menopause can be diagnosed through a physical exam, a pregnancy test, and blood tests to check hormone levels. A follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test is often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for early menopause focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing chronic conditions that may occur due to low estrogen levels. Treatment options include hormone therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Women who go through early menopause may face a higher risk of certain health problems, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, anxiety and depression, sexual problems, and early death.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

While it's not always possible to prevent early menopause, some strategies may help delay the onset of menopause and reduce the risk of health problems associated with early menopause. These include avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Early menopause Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD