Menopause, as the word suggests may sometimes bring your life to a grinding halt with its early arrival. Generally, natural menopause occurs in the early 50s for an average woman or person assigned female at birth (AFAB). Premature menopause occurs in women and AFAB before the age of 40, while early menopause occurs before the age of 45.
There are certain factors that contribute to both premature and early menopause. Menopause can be caused by anything that damages your ovaries or prevents your body from producing oestrogen. Most of the symptoms of early and premature menopause are similar to those of menopause. Additionally, there may be other factors that can cause premature or early menopause.
Genetics – Early or premature menopause could be hereditary.
Chromosomal - Chromosomal studies should be done to rule out abnormalities like Mosaic Turner Syndrome (TS), which could be a cause.
Surgery – The surgical removal of both ovaries could result in menopause occurring earlier.
Autoimmune diseases – These can affect ovarian functions, leading to early menopause (thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatments - Chemotherapy or radiation taken to treat cancer could also signal the early onset of menopause.
Lifestyle factors - Smoking, alcohol and stress are contributory factors as well.
If you start experiencing menopausal symptoms before the age of 45, your healthcare professional may perform numerous tests and ask questions to help diagnose premature or early menopause.
• Inquiring about the regularity of your menstrual cycles
• Early discussion of any family history of menopause
• A physical examination
• A blood test to determine your hormonal levels
• Look for other medical disorders that could be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid.
People who haven’t had their period in 12 months and aren’t taking any medications that could cause menstruation to cease, may have already entered menopause.
While we cannot stop premature and early menopause, we can take certain measures to slow down that runaway train. Treatment for early or premature menopause may differ based on the cause of the menopause. Given the health hazards of early menopause, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), unless there is a reason hormone therapy is inappropriate (for example, if you have had breast cancer). HRT replenishes some of your body’s lost hormones, which helps to lessen menopausal symptoms and side effects, as well as your risk of health problems related to it. HRT is frequently prescribed by doctors until a woman reaches the age of 51 (the age at which most women get menopause).
It is critical to examine the benefits and drawbacks of hormone therapy with your doctor. If you are infertile due to early or premature menopause, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Besides HRT, calcium supplements and weight-bearing exercises are recommended to prevent osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, exercise, decreased consumption of alcohol and smoking, also help. In premature menopause, counselling is advisable, as there are chances of infertility.
Gynaecology and Obstetrics specialist, Dr Asha Dalal, advises, “If you are diagnosed with premature/early menopause, do not hesitate to seek help. It is of utmost importance to take care of yourself. As effective as HRT can be, it is crucial to understand how it works and know of the risks associated with it. Doctors believe it should be given in the lowest possible dose for as long as possible. Make sure you go for regular health check-ups to rule out osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases and, most important, cancer.”