Early menopause is a condition that cannot be taken lightly. The reason, menopause that occurs prematurely can be caused by certain medical conditions. Treatment steps also need to be adjusted to the underlying cause.
Menopause is a normal thing in a woman's life. However, if menopause occurs early, you should need to be vigilant. A woman can be said to experience early menopause if the menstrual cycle has stopped before the age of 40 years.
The symptoms experienced are almost the same as menopause in general, namely:
- Irregular menstruation
- Menstrual blood that comes out more or less than usual
- Dry pussy
- Difficulty controlling urination
- Disorders of the urinary tract
- Dry skin, lips and eyes
In some women, menopause also causes emotional disturbances. It is characterized by a sudden bad mood, often feeling restless, mild depression, difficulty sleeping, to reduced sexual desire.
However, this does not mean that these symptoms always indicate an early menopause. Therefore, you should check with your doctor if you experience some of the symptoms above to confirm the condition you are experiencing.
Various Causes and Risk Factors of Early Menopause
The following are some of the causes and factors that increase a woman experiencing early menopause:
1. Premature ovarian failure
In this condition, the ovaries no longer function normally when a woman has not yet reached the age of 40. Women with premature ovarian failure generally still have their periods, but have a hard time getting pregnant.
2. Genetic factors
A study revealed that the age of a woman's menopause is related to heredity or genetic factors. This is because a woman's menopause is generally not much different from her mother.
If the mother experienced early menopause, then her daughter has a higher risk of experiencing the same thing.
3. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
Treatment of cancer or other diseases using chemotherapy procedures or radiation therapy around the pelvic area is known to have several risks, including premature menopause.
This is because the radiation waves used in this therapy can cause disruption of the ovaries, so they cannot function normally.
4. Drugs and other diseases
Early menopause can also be caused by chronic diseases, tumors in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, psychological disorders, and the use of drugs.
Not only that, several other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis , Turner syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause premature menopause.
5. Smoking habits
Smoking is one of the habits that can affect the occurrence of early menopause. Several studies have shown that women who smoke go through menopause more quickly than women who don't smoke.
6. Too low body weight
The hormone estrogen is stored in fat tissue in the body. Women who are too thin have less body fat. As a result, the hormone estrogen is stored too little. This can affect the function of the ovaries and the reproductive system.
In addition, it should also be noted that some surgical procedures and surgeries performed to remove the ovaries can also cause premature menopause in women.
How to Overcome Symptoms of Early Menopause
Until now, premature menopause can not be treated or prevented with certain medications or treatments. However, there are several ways to deal with the symptoms that can arise.
The following are some medical treatments to relieve early menopause symptoms:
Horror therapymon
Hormone therapy or estrogen therapy is the most effective way to control early menopause symptoms, such as: hot flu sh or feeling hot and dry in the vagina. This therapy is available in various forms, such as birth control pills, transdermal sprays, gels and creams, as well as preparations for intravaginal use.
Always obey the doctor's advice when undergoing this therapy, because this therapy also has side effects, such as increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, to breast cancer.
anti drugdepressedan
Some types of antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake iinhibitors (SSRI), can be used to relieve the symptoms of premature menopause, such as: hot flu sh . This medicine can only be obtained and used according to a doctor's prescription and instructions.
Gel, cream, and nonhormonal vaginal lubricants
When entering menopause, the vagina will feel dry. To overcome this, you can use a lubricant in the form of a gel or cream. This lubricant can prevent the vagina from feeling dry and reduce the risk of vaginal irritation.
Assisted reproductive technology
Women with early menopause will face infertility problems or have difficulty having children. However, pregnancy can still be attempted in other ways, namely by donating eggs.
In addition, early menopause can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, because low estrogen levels can reduce bone density. However, this can be prevented by consuming foods and drinks rich in vitamin D, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and regular exercise.
You need to more carefully recognize the various symptoms of early menopause. Immediately consult a doctor if these symptoms appear, so that examination and treatment can be carried out according to the cause.