What Are The Effects Of Early Onset Menopause?
August 28th, 2009 | by Kim Allarie |Premature symptoms of menopause can cause great anxiety in women younger than the traditional age for menopause, yet many women start undergoing symptoms beginning in their 30s. Most women are very concerned about the effects of early onset menopause and want to know what to expect.
Menopause, in the public mind, is linked with older women, however it can also happen to younger women in a number of situations. When a woman under the age of 40 experiences menopause symptoms, it is known as early onset menopause. This can have a significant impact on a younger woman’s emotions. The normal physiological and mental experiences of menopause can be challenging enough, but going through a premature cycle can be even more traumatic.
Ovarian failure, wherein your body’s immune system attacks itself, thereby causing your ovaries to stop functioning, is one possible reason for early menopause. Surgery can also cause the condition. For example, your hormone levels drop rapidly and you will experience instant menopause if you have surgery either to remove the ovaries or a full hysterectomy. Those who do not have their ovaries removed along with their hysterectomy can still have damage from the procedure which can cause premature menopause.
Early onset of menopause might also be caused by having your tubes tied. Excessive weight loss is another possible cause, particularly if it results from anorexia. As well, your mother’s age at the onset of menopause can be a direct indicator of what you can expect. Before you decide that your symptoms indicate menopause, however, consult your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
As your body slows down its production of estrogen, it is likely that early onset menopause will cause the same symptoms that older women experience during menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, reduction in libido, internal dryness, joint pain and even sleep disturbances. Women who experience menopause at a young age typically have more severe symptoms than older women.
It is challenging to go through menopause at an early age, so you might find it beneficial to find and join a support group to help you through this time. It can be difficult for a woman to lose her ability to bear children, and she must be allowed time and space to deal with this change. Don’t underestimate the value of support from your family and friends to get you through this challenge.
And don’t forget to permit yourself adequate time to understand and deal with the emotional issues of early onset menopause. Be open and honest in expressing your thoughts and feelings. Please keep in mind that this did not happen as a result of something you did or didn’t do. Guilt will make an emotional situation worse. While you are undergoing this phase of life, be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time to mourn, since it will be easier to do this first, and then talk about alternatives available to you afterward.
