Beyond the clock: triggers of early menopause
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, marks the end of her reproductive years. However, for some women, this biological transition occurs earlier than expected, disrupting the harmony of their lives. Early menopause, or premature menopause, is a condition that warrants attention and understanding. In this article, you will discover why early menopause happens and what might trigger it beyond the biological clock.
Premature menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation before the age of 40 and early – before the age of 45. While the average age for natural menopause is around 51, an increasing number of women experience this transition prematurely. The impact of early menopause can be profound, affecting fertility, hormonal balance, bone health, and overall well-being. Why menopause can start earlier?
The triggers of early menopause
The truth is we do not always know the reasons for early or premature menopause. But some reasons are well-known.
Genetic Predisposition. Family history significantly influences a woman’s likelihood of experiencing early menopause. If women in your family go through early menopause, your own chances are also increased. But do we know which genes are responsible for this? While there isn’t a single gene that predicts early menopause, studies have suggested that the Leiden mutation (gene F5) may contribute to it.
The F5 gene is often included in genetic testing panels. It also reveals your risk of thrombosis. If you have an unfavorable variant, it not only increases the risk of early menopause but can also lead to blood clots, especially if hormone-replacement therapy or hormonal contraception is prescribed. But what is the solution? Using transdermal hormones for hormonal-replacement therapy (ointments and creams instead of pills) could be a safer alternative for you since it is not increasing the risk of blood clots. So knowing your F5 variant becomes crucial for a personalized strategy during perimenopause and menopause.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors. Modern lifestyles and environmental exposures may influence reproductive health. Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and pollution exposure may hasten ovarian aging, triggering early menopause.
Smoking is especially dangerous in terms of early menopause. Smoking reduces the production of the main female hormone, – estrogen. Moreover, smoking decreases the sensitivity of our cells to estrogen. So even when the estrogen level is average, menopause can still onset earlier.
Medical Conditions and Treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer, can impact ovarian function and lead to premature menopause. Additionally, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also damage the ovaries, causing early menopause in some cases.
Except for emotional challenges, why is early menopause thought to be unfavorable?
What are the risks of premature or early menopause?
Premature or early menopause can bring about various physical and emotional challenges for women. One of the primary concerns is fertility issues, as it reduces the chances of conceiving naturally. Women may experience sudden shifts in hormone levels, leading to bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Moreover, early menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease due to decreased estrogen levels. And the risk of adverse health complications for premature menopause is higher. So in case of premature menopause, personalized health coaching, and medical support become even more vital.
“Premature menopause seems to be related to more health complications than early or normal menopause.”
How do I recognize the signs of early menopause?
Recognizing the signs of early menopause is crucial for timely intervention. Irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness are common symptoms that warrant attention. If you suspect early menopause, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized management.
Coping strategies and hormonal options
Coping with early menopause involves adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and exploring innovative therapies, like PRP therapy, and hormonal options, like Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). HRT can help alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of related health conditions.
To optimize effectiveness, it’s essential to assess your individual health risks, including genetics, and tailor the treatment based on hormone levels, forms, and dosages. This requires the expertise of diagnostic specialists, comprehensive biomarkers testing, and personalized consultations with specialists working hand in hand.
“Traditional and innovative therapies can help with health complications during early menopause. But for 100 % efficiency, they have to be personalized.”
The journey through early menopause can be challenging, but it doesn’t define a woman’s worth or capabilities. Beyond the ticking biological clock lies a myriad of factors that can contribute to early menopause. By understanding and uncovering these triggers, women, supported by health experts, can take proactive steps to manage their health and well-being during this transformative phase.
