What is early menopause?

Early menopause occurs when a woman’s menstrual cycles stop before age 45. This is earlier than the average menopause age of 51 and can be caused by genetics, medical treatments, or health conditions.

What causes menopause to begin early?

Early menopause can be caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, certain surgeries like oophorectomy, chemotherapy or radiation, and some chronic health conditions affecting the ovaries.

How is early menopause diagnosed?

A gynecologist can diagnose early menopause through a combination of medical history, symptom evaluation, and blood tests that measure hormone levels such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

When Menopause Begins Early: What Loudoun County Women Should Watch For

When menopause begins early, there are telltale signs and steps you’ll want to take. Knowing what to do and when can improve your quality of life.

Here’s what Loudoun County women need to know.

When Do Women Reach Menopause?

This life transition doesn’t happen at the same time for everyone. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 to 55, with the average age being around 51.

But hormonal shifts can happen sooner. In fact, some women in their late 30s and early 40s notice changes.

So what are the signs that you’re going through menopause early? Irregular periods are the first sign, and this occurs when women enter perimenopause.

This stage can last several years and eventually your period will stop altogether.

Other common symptoms include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Vaginal dryness
Memory issues
Sudden change in weight

Experiencing any of these symptoms before the age of 45 could be a sign that you’re entering this life stage sooner than expected.

Why Menopause Begins Early

There isn’t always a clear reason why a woman experiences early menopause. In some cases, it may be linked to genetics, autoimmune conditions, lifestyle factors, and even certain medical treatments.

Knowing your family history can give you some insight into when you may enter menopause, but it’s important to remember that every woman’s journey is unique.

You should see a doctor if you’re younger than 45 and noticing changes to your cycle as well as other symptoms.

Early menopause can affect fertility, bone health, and even heart health due to decreasing estrogen levels. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can protect your health.

We’re Here to Empower Women!

Life is full of many inevitable ups and downs, with menopause being one of them. Know that you know more about when menopause begins early, you may be ready to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

For the best care in the area, come to Tyson’s Gynecology.

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