If a woman is over the age of 50, it is completely normal for her to experience either perimenopause or complete her transition into menopause. However, if menopause symptoms start appearing before the age of 40, this could be a sign of premature menopause. Along with the typical side effects associated with menopause such as hot flashes and mood swings, premature menopause can cause additional physical and emotional concerns. At Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, our board-certified gynecologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants do everything we can to educate women about certain gynecological concerns so they can take a proactive approach to help address them.
Why is premature menopause a cause for concern?
Entering menopause early can affect fertility and a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Additionally, women who undergo premature menopause will live longer with lower estrogen levels which can increase their risk of health conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease.
What factors contribute to premature menopause?
While pinpointing exactly why premature menopause occurs can be difficult, there are a number of known factors that increase a woman’s probability of experiencing this condition and things they can do to help it. Common causes of premature menopause include family history, hysterectomy, smoking cigarettes, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, genetic mutations, autoimmune diseases, and gynecological health conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Can premature menopause be prevented?
Since the majority of the causes of premature menopause are genetic or result from underlying medical conditions, it can be difficult to actively prevent this condition. Living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise may soothe symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, and even hot flashes. Attending regular well-women exams can also help with prevention. However, this is not a viable treatment for the underlying causes of premature menopause. As always, it is important for women to stay on top of their overall wellness and reproductive health. If the signs of premature menopause begin to appear, our board-certified gynecologist or reproductive healthcare provider is the best and most proactive way to look after your well-being.
For more information about premature menopause and help for improving symptoms, request an appointment with Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. Additionally, follow along with us on Facebook for healthcare insights, tips, and much more. And don’t forget to follow our medical spa, MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics, on Instagram.
