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Understanding Early Onset Menopause

Posted by Kim Allarie in Health on 08 31st, 2009 | no responses

It is not uncommon for some women to begin noticing symptoms of menopause in their 30s, and this early onset, since unexpected, can frequently produce feelings of anxiousness and/or depression. Most women are very concerned about the effects of early onset menopause and want to know what to expect.

Menopause, in the public mind, is linked with older women, but it can also happen to younger women in a number of situations. If a woman is undergoing full menopause symptoms before she is 40 years of age, she is considered to be experiencing early onset menopause. This can have a significant impact on a younger woman’s emotions. The normal physiological and mental experiences of menopause can be challenging enough, but going through a premature cycle can be even more traumatic.

Premature ovarian failure, when your body’s immune system attacks itself and causes the ovaries to stop functioning, can be a possible cause of early menopause. It can also be brought on as a result of medical procedures. For instance, menopause can occur immediately as a result of ovarian surgery or a hysterectomy, both of which cause hormone levels to drop dramatically. Those who do not have their ovaries removed along with their hysterectomy can still have damage from the procedure which can cause premature menopause.

Having your tubes tied is another factor that might contribute to undergoing early menopause. Weight loss, particularly that resulting from anorexia, can also cause this condition. As well, your mother’s age at the onset of menopause can be a direct indicator of what you can expect. However, be sure to get your doctor’s advice to figure out whether or not your symptoms are in fact related to premature menopause.

As your body slows down its production of estrogen, it is likely that early onset menopause will cause the same symptoms that older women experience during menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, reduction in libido, internal dryness, joint discomfort and even sleep disturbances. As a rule, these symptoms are more traumatic for younger women who are undergoing menopause than for those who are of an age where they would expect to be going through it.

It is challenging to go through menopause at an early age, so you might find it beneficial to find and join a support group to help you through this time. It can be challenging for a woman to lose her ability to bear children, and she should be allowed time and space to deal with this change. Support from friends and family is so very important during this time.

And, ultimately, take the time to comprehend and accept the emotions and changes of early onset menopause. Be open and honest in expressing your thoughts and feelings. The thing to remember is that it is a natural part of aging; no-one is to blame. Guilt will make an emotional situation worse. Give yourself time to grieve; there is time later to talk about your options.

Menopause is caused by decreased production of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body. This change in hormone levels is what causes menopause symptoms and mood swings. Find out more at Menopause Symptoms.