The appearance of the first signs of entering menopause causes panic in most women, even if the menopause began 'classically', i.e. after the age of fifty. Particularly emotional for mature women is the awareness of a permanent loss of fertility - even though they no longer plan to have another child, regular periods make them feel more feminine. The difficulty of accepting changes in the body is correspondingly greater when the peri-menopausal period starts earlier, for example before the age of 40.

Menopause - why does it occur too soon?

Early menopause can result from a so-called premature cessation of ovarian function. Affected women can still menstruate, but generally become infertile and have no chance of becoming pregnant without medical support. Premature menopause can also occur due to a history of cancer treatment (both chemotherapy and radiotherapy adversely affect the ovaries) or removal of both ovaries. Other, rarer causes of early menopause include chronic diseases, side effects of medication, psychiatric disorders and tumours in the pituitary or hypothalamus.

Symptoms of early menopause

The typical symptoms of premature menopause do not differ from those noticed by women going through menopause after the age of 50. Thus, we are dealing with menstrual disorders (e.g. irregular, more scanty periods) and hot flashes, which are a manifestation of reduced oestrogen production in the ovaries. In addition, there may be other, less characteristic symptoms that are not usually associated with menopause, especially when they occur in young women in their thirties. These include decreased libido, insomnia, frequent mood changes or mild depression, dryness of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, bladder irritation/incontinence and vaginal dryness (its walls become thinner and less elastic).

If you are under forty and have noticed the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to see your doctor. Although their presence does not necessarily indicate that you are going through the menopause, it is not worth the risk, especially when additional unfavourable circumstances come into play, such as autoimmune disorders (lupus, Graves' disease, hypothyroidism), difficulties getting pregnant or cases of early menopause in the family.

What research is worth doing?

When premature menopause is suspected, the most important diagnostic test is a blood test to determine the concentration of the hormone FSH. Among other things, this hormone stimulates the production of oestrogen by the ovaries. When the production of oestrogen decreases, the level of FSH in the blood increases - a test result above 40 mIU/mL is indicative of menopause. Your doctor may also order a test for oestradiol, which is one form of oestrogen.

Can early menopause be stopped?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to halt the progress of menopause, but it is possible to alleviate the intensity of the discomforts accompanying the drop in female hormone levels in the body. The treatment is then similar to that recommended for women going through the menopause at the usual time. A separate issue is the loss of fertility at a young age. For women who are just planning to get pregnant, the news of infertility can be a real shock. Many women's first instinct is to break down, and it is only after some time that they are ready to talk about the options their doctor may offer them. Although fertility cannot be restored, women who do not have their own gametes can experience pregnancy and childbirth. They can benefit from IVF with a donor egg.

Early menopause is not a common occurrence, but it can affect any of us. If your periods have become irregular and you are also experiencing other discomforts, make an appointment to see if the changes that accompany the menopause are the source of your discomfort.