Early menopause: a challenge for women's health

Early menopause: a challenge for women's health

Premature menopause is defined as the loss of ovarian function in women under the age of 45. This condition, which affects between 1% and 4% of women, can bring with it a range of physical and emotional challenges.

Some causes

In most cases, the cause of early menopause is unknown . However, some factors may increase the risk of developing it, such as:

• Genetic factors: Women with a family history of early menopause are more likely to develop it.
• Medical treatments: Radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the pelvic region can damage the ovaries and cause early menopause.
• Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or lupus, can affect ovarian function.
• Environmental causes: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as tobacco smoke or pesticides, may also be linked to an increased risk of early menopause.

Symptoms of early menopause

The most common symptoms of early menopause are:

• Menstrual irregularities: Menstruation may become less frequent or stop altogether.
• Hot flashes: Sudden waves of heat that may be accompanied by sweating, facial flushing and palpitations.
• Vaginal dryness: This can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Mood swings: Irritability, sadness and anxiety may be more frequent.
• Bone loss: The risk of osteoporosis increases significantly after early menopause.

In order to diagnose this pathology, a detailed clinical history must always be taken into account, including a gynecological examination, a gynecological ultrasound, and an analysis with a complete hormonal profile. It is very important to ask about the personal and family history of these patients.

Treatment

Treatment for early menopause focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing long-term complications , such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT replaces the estrogen and progesterone no longer produced by the ovaries. It can help relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other symptoms, and protect against bone loss.
• Supplementation with vitamins D and K: Supplementation with vitamins D and K helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, since they intervene in the absorption and fixation of calcium in the bones.
• Lifestyle changes: A healthy stage-specific diet, regular exercise prioritizing strength training, and avoiding toxic habits such as smoking can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
• Psychological support: Early menopause can have a significant impact on women's mental and emotional health. Psychological therapy can be helpful in addressing these challenges.

Early menopause can be a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, women can live full and healthy lives. Madequa recommends that you consult with a doctor for a diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan if you have symptoms of early menopause.

Hamoda H, Sharma A. Premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, and induced menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2024;38(1):101823. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101823.

Liu J, Jin X, Liu W, Chen W, Wang L, Feng Z, Huang J. The risk of long-term cardiometabolic disease in women with premature or early menopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med . 2023;10:1131251. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1131251.