Why Do Some Women Start Menopause Early (And What Can They Do About It)?

Menopause is a natural part of aging, marking the transition from your childbearing years to the rest of your life, a time when unplanned pregnancy is no longer a concern. 

While most women enter menopause sometime in their late 40s to mid-50s, about 5% of women have early menopause that begins between the ages of 40-45.

Not surprisingly, experiencing menopause symptoms earlier than expected can be alarming, especially if you don’t know the underlying cause. 

Here, our team at Feminine Urgicare offers a brief overview of early menopause, including what causes it, the challenges that can arise, and what we can do to improve your symptoms and your long-term health.

Understanding early menopause

As noted, early menopause happens between 40 and 45 years of age. If you enter menopause before age 40, it’s called premature menopause. Though the names are different, the symptoms, associated risks, and underlying causes are similar.

Why does menopause happen early?

Several factors can lead to early menopause, including your genetics. If you have a family history of early menopause, you’re more likely to experience it. 

Certain health conditions, like autoimmune disorders, HIV infection, and chronic fatigue syndrome, can increase your risk, as well.

If you smoke, you’re more likely to enter menopause at a younger age, and your symptoms may be more severe compared to nonsmokers. 

Women who undergo oophorectomy (ovary removal) with or without hysterectomy enter menopause immediately, and some cancer treatments can have the same effect.

Risks of early menopause

Menopause increases your risk of several serious health problems, mainly due to the decline of estrogen. When you begin menopause at a younger age, your body is exposed to less estrogen for a longer period, which means risks may be greater.

For example, menopause can increase a woman’s risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic changes that, in turn, can lead to diabetes or obesity. 

These risks can be elevated when you enter menopause early, since you’ll spend more years without the protective benefits of estrogen.

Early menopause ushers in the “typical” symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, sleep disturbances, and vaginal changes, including dryness or irritation. You may also struggle with depression over entering menopause earlier than you expected.

Understanding these risks is important because early menopause doesn’t just affect how you feel today — it can take a toll on your health and wellness. 

HRT: A solution worth considering

Having a medical evaluation at the first sign of symptoms is the best way to prepare yourself and your body, so you can explore treatment options and preventive strategies. 

In addition to reviewing your symptoms and your medical history, we can order lab tests to measure your hormone levels. We may order other evaluations as well, depending on your symptoms.

For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective option for both relieving menopause symptoms and reducing risks of serious health problems later on. 

HRT restores estrogen levels using bioidentical hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by your body. 

One of the best things about HRT is that it’s completely customizable based on each woman’s unique needs. Regular visits with our team ensure your therapy and dosing stay on track as those needs change over time.

Seek care early

If you’re noticing symptoms of menopause, don’t put off seeking medical care. While hot flashes, moodiness, and period changes can be signs of early menopause, they can also be caused by other problems. In any case, they need to be medically evaluated. 

To learn what’s causing your symptoms or to find out more about HRT, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.