The Affects of Early Menopause
Symptoms
While it is estimated that some
women can experience the onset of perimenopause and menopause beginning
in their 30’s, early menopause can cause great anxiety. What
are the affects of early menopause?
While most people
associate menopause with older women, it can occur in younger women as
well.
Any women who is going through the full menopause cycle before the age
of 40, is considered to be experiencing premature menopause. Imagine
the emotional affect this can have on a young woman. In addition to the
associated symptoms of menopause, experiencing this premature cycle can
add another level of emotion which could be just as devastating.
Causes May Be Premature Ovarian
Failure
Some of the causes
of premature menopause are premature ovarian failure, in which your
body’s immune system attacks itself causing your ovaries to
stop functioning.
Early menopause
can also be induced by surgery. So too, if you have had surgery either
to remove the ovaries or a full hysterectomy, your hormone levels drop
instantly and you will experience instant menopause. Even if you do not
have your ovaries removed during a hysterectomy, the ovaries may be
damaged during the surgical procedure or the blood flow to the ovaries
may be affected, resulting in early menopause.
In addition, early
menopause may also be derived by having your tubes tied. Other causes
of early menopause include excessive weight loss associated with
anorexia.
To determine the
cause of premature menopause, it is necessary to ask your mom at what
age she became menopausal. If there is a lack of estrogen, it is more
likely that premature menopause will lead to menopausal symptoms which
include:
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness
- loss of libido
- joint discomfort
- change in skin
- and sleep disturbances
These tend to be
more severe for younger women who are in menopause, than it is by women
who experience menopause naturally.
If you are among
many women who are going through menopause at an early age, it may help
you to join a support group to help you through this rough time. Seek
the advice of your doctor to determine if this is, in fact, premature
menopause or something else. More importantly, losing the ability to
have children is devastating and the time should be taken to grieve.
The support of family and friends is crucial at this time.
Finally,
understand and experience the loss. Your feelings and thoughts should
be expressed in an honest and forthright manner. Remember, this is not
your fault; it just simply happens. You will be going through many
emotions at this time, and adding guilt to them will not alleviate the
pain. There are always alternatives which you can discuss at a later
date, but for now, be good to you and allow yourself the time you need
to mourn.
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