In the United States, the average age that women experience menopause is 51.
However, due to illness, medical procedures, or genetics, some women go through it before they reach 40 years old. When menopause happens before the age of 40, it’s called early menopause. It doesn’t matter whether a medical professional induces it or it occurs on its own. Menopause before 40 is premature. If you go through menopause early, then it will likely result in the early loss of fertility. However, pregnancy using a donor egg may still be possible for those who experience premature menopause. At Advanced Reproductive Center, we provide fertility treatments using donor eggs as well as with IVF and other procedures.
Symptoms of Early Menopause
The symptoms of premature menopause include mood swings, hot flashes, and irregular or missed periods. Many women who go through menopause early must deal with additional emotional and physical concerns. For instance, your sex drive might decrease, or you may have trouble sleeping. The hormone shift may cause depression. You may also have to deal with dry skin, mouth, or eyes, as well as bladder irritability and vaginal dryness. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, then it’s essential to see a medical professional.
Women who suffer from ovarian insufficiency may have the same symptoms. However, the two conditions are different. You might be searching for solutions if you are experiencing ovarian insufficiency. There is no ovarian insufficiency solution. However, you can avoid some of the complications that arise due to low estrogen. Restoring your estrogen levels can help you prevent osteoporosis, for instance.
How Does a Doctor Diagnose Early Menopause?
When it comes to diagnosing premature menopause, your doctor will probably take your blood to check for other possible conditions like a thyroid problem or a pregnancy. He or she may also check your estradiol levels. If these are low, then your ovaries might be starting to fail, which would signal that you are in menopause. Diagnosing it generally requires a blood test that measures the follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH. This hormone is the reason why your ovaries produce estrogen. When they decrease their estrogen production, your FSH levels increase. If they are higher than 40 mIU/mL, then you have likely reached menopause.
At Advanced Reproductive Center, we diagnose premature menopause and also offer the following services:
- Fertility treatment options
- Surgical fertility treatment
- In vitro fertilization
- Intrauterine insemination
- Egg freezing
What Are the Health Issues That Arise With Early Menopause?
The unfortunate thing about going through premature menopause is that you’ll experience low estrogen levels. This condition means that you’ll be at a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions, like colon and ovarian cancer. Cataracts may be more likely to form, and you may experience dental issues like periodontal disease or tooth loss. Women who undergo premature menopause spend more of their lives without the protection that estrogen offers, so they are at a higher risk of developing other related health conditions.
There are many causes of premature menopause, which range from a family history of the condition to being a smoker. When women go through chemotherapy or have pelvic radiation to treat cancer, the treatments can cause damage to their ovaries, which may stop them from having periods altogether or just for a bit. If you have a condition that results in your needing to have your ovaries removed, then menopause could start right away. Health conditions like autoimmune diseases may bring on menopause early. HIV and AIDS can also cause it to happen. If you’re missing chromosomes, then you are at risk for premature menopause. Chronic fatigue syndrome also increases the chances of going through menopause before most women do.
Get Treatment at Advanced Reproductive Center
In most cases, medical professionals are unable to stop menopause once it begins. However, your doctor will treat the physical and emotional issues that arise from it. If one of those problems is ovarian insufficiency, then you have options. Ovarian insufficiency solutions include undergoing infertility treatments if you are unable to conceive due to this condition.
We can help at the Advanced Reproductive Center. If you have questions or wish to make an appointment, call Advanced Reproductive Center at 312.485.4847.
