Categories: Diseases & Conditions

Symptoms of Premature Menopause: Living Proactively Through Change

Premature menopause, sometimes known as early menopause, is experienced by women in their thirties. A woman may feel bushwhacked by her ovaries but she can take steps to confront premature menopause and live a balanced life as she maneuvers successfully through this change.

What Causes It?

Premature menopause can be brought on simply by genetics (an inclination or predisposition to premature menopause); chromosome defects causing malformation of ovaries; autoimmune disorders that attack the reproductive system and thyroid disease; surgery to remove the ovaries and cancer treatments cause the ovaries to shut down early. An immediate onset of premature menopause happens when both ovaries are removed causing an abrupt loss of hormones. Cessation of periods due to excessive exercising or an eating disorder are not considered premature menopause.

Can It Be Confirmed?

A blood test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as these levels rise when ovaries stop producing estrogen. Consistent higher than normal levels will confirm premature menopause. Testing for levels of estradiol and luetinizing hormone show how the ovaries are performing and help diagnose premature menopause.

What Are The Symptoms?

Urinary frequency caused by low levels of estrogen; weight shifting to the waist due to hormone level changes; vaginal dryness due to less estrogen supply; sagging skin and wrinkles as higher levels of estrogen normally keep the skin more elastic; fatigue due to lack of sleep; anxiety as the result of a rapid drop in estrogen; depression may come on as normal amounts of estrogen produce serotonin which regulates moods; fuzzy thinking until hormone levels are stabilized; hot flashes in the face and upper body; increased perspiration due to sudden drops in estrogen levels; and mood swings accompanied by bouts of crying.

Whew! These symptoms of premature menopause sound debilitating and they are for a while; however, a woman can be proactive in her attempts to regain a balanced life.

Healthy Lifestyle

Engaging a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week (generally, increased weight is due to decreased metabolism, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise); eating plenty of fruit and vegetables; adding fiber and soy foods to diet; deleting processed foods; taking a good multi-vitamin and a calcium supplement; losing extra weight to reach a healthy 18 – 27 percent body fat and laughing a lot!

Rule Out Other Medical Problems

She should have a thorough medical exam to confirm premature menopause through blood tests. Some of the menopausal symptoms also indicate other serious medical problems that should be ruled out.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

As a woman talks with her doctor about premature menopause, she should make an informed decision and not be talked into a treatment she is unsure of. Every woman should seek out alternative methods of replacing estrogen naturally.

Assess Stress

Assessing stress is good for anyone. The woman of premature menopause should list enjoyed activities versus ones that cause stress and eliminate negative stress.

Other Ways To Be Proactive

Seeking emotional support from friends and family from the onset of premature menopause; listening to body signals to make positive health changes; dressing in layers of clothing (cotton if possible); avoiding caffeine and alcohol that tends to bring on hot flashes; and using relaxation techniques such as yoga.

My experience has been to be patient with this process of change as it doesn’t last forever.hh