Menopause at an early age

When menopause happens before age 40, it is called early menopause. Early menopause can be caused by certain medical treatments.  It can even just happen on its own.

Symptoms of early menopause:

Irregular menstrual cycle or no menstrual period
Inability to get pregnant
Low libido
Problems with sex
Hot flushes
Sweats
Urinary problems
Dry skin, eyes or mouth
Sleeplessness
Weight changes

You may have a blood test to check your hormonal levels and rule out early menopause.

Causes of early menopause:

Genetics

If your mother started menopause early, then you too are more likely to have early menopause. The cause may be genes if there is no other medical reason.

Smoking

Smoking can cause early menopause due to its anti-estrogenic effects.

Body mass index

Body mass index is another reason for early menopause. Very thin women may undergo early menopause due to low estrogen stores in their body.

Diseases

Diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, epilepsy, tuberculosis, mumps can cause premature ovarian failure.

Chromosome defects

Certain defects in chromosomes can lead to early menopause. Turner syndrome is one such condition. Woman with Turner's syndrome have ovaries that do not work properly.

If you have undergone surgery or chemotherapy, surgeries like oophorectomy or hysterectomy can lead to early menopause.

Two health problems that start to happen at menopause are

Osteoporosis

Estrogen helps control bone loss. Losing estrogen around the time of menopause causes women to lose more bone. This condition is called osteoporosis. You can have a bone density test to find out if you are at risk of early menopause.

Heart disease

As you age, you may gain weight and develop other problems, like high blood pressure. These could put you at a greater risk for heart disease.

How to stay healthy after menopause?

Quit smoking and consuming tobacco.
Consume calcium and vitamin D supplement.
Eat a healthy diet, high in fiber and low in fat. Eat lots of green vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Get regular Pap tests and mammograms.
Taking hormone replacement therapy can help with menopausal symptoms. Consuming phytoestrogens may also help.
How to cope with early menopause.
Support from the spouse, children, relatives and friends are very necessary. You can seek some medical counseling.