Here are reasons for premature menopause and why it is essential to consult a Gynae.
Highlights:
- What is menopause?
- Lifestyle factors, common reasons for menopause
- When do women usually attain menopause?
- What is premature menopause?
- How to tackle premature menopause?
As per the survey by The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), nearly 4% of Indian women experience signs of menopause between 29-34 years of age, says a survey. The figure goes up to 8% in the case of women between 35-39 years of age.
The shocking fact is that women worldwide usually reach menopause between 45-55 years of age, with a mean age of around 51 years.
According to the study, women approach a gynecologist only after they notice an irregular menstrual cycle that suddenly ceases.
Pre-menopause, generally, are considered a change of lifestyle. When ovaries stop producing estrogen, the reproductive cycle ends, it usually affects people in their forties or fifties but can start much earlier. Say in our twenties and thirties too.
What is menopause?
Cessation of periods for one year after the age of 40 is termed menopause. However, in women who have had regular menstrual cycles, expiration of periods for more than six months after 40 can be considered menopause.
Lifestyle factors, common reasons for menopause
Lifestyle factors can affect when you begin menopause. Smoking increases estrogen levels and can cause early menopause.
Some research by Trusted Source suggests that regular smokers are likely to experience menopause early. Women who smoke may start menopause 1-2 years earlier than women who do not smoke.
Early menopause can also be influenced by body mass index (BMI). Estrogen is stored in fat tissue. Skinny women have fewer estrogen stores, which can be depleted sooner.
Some research also suggests that lack of exercise, a vegetarian diet, and lack of sun exposure throughout your life can all cause an early onset of menopause.
Read More- What is Premature Ovarian Failure?
When do women usually attain menopause?
The age of menopause varies from 40-to 55 years. Genes and environmental factors influence the age of menopause. We often see that women who attain menopause do so at around the same time as their mothers or older siblings achieving menopause.
What is premature menopause?
Some women stop bleeding before the age of 40. Premature menopause is also known as premature ovarian insufficiency. Out of all, one-third of the causes are influenced by genetics.
Women experiencing early menopause often suffer from depression, as they have to go through a more significant part of their lives without the female hormone estrogen. This makes them more likely to go through depression, anxiety, irritability, low self-esteem, forgetfulness, UTI, vaginal dryness, increased risk of heart attack, and weak bones leading to osteoporosis. This happens due to the low level of female hormones called estrogen.
How to tackle premature menopause?
It is essential to take treatment during this time to enjoy a healthy life around the time of menopause and beyond.
Hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal remedies, calcium supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation are some treatment options available. They go a long way in keeping a woman healthy during this phase of life.
Age is only a number if you seek adequate treatment. Adequate counseling to address the emotional issues associated with menopause is equally important, while we cannot change the age of menopause or one’s genetic makeup.
Staying healthy, having a nutritious diet, and exercising are other ways to remain disease-free and healthy. They will protect your heart and bones in this crucial phase of life.
Stay healthy and happy. Seek help at the right time!
