Identifying And Treating Premature Menopause

Health & Medical Articles

If you're experiencing menopausal symptoms but think you're too young for this change, you could be dealing with premature menopause. The first thing to do is confirm that this is what you're experiencing. Take a look at the indicators of premature menopause. If you fit into any of the categories listed, continue reading for premature menopausal treatments. Most importantly, make sure to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

What are Some Indicators of Premature Menopause?

While some signs of premature menopause are similar to that of natural (around age 51) menopause, others aren't. Menopause at any age is manifest by decreased period frequency, dry skin, mood swings and hot flashes. If you experience these symptoms before the age of 40, you could have premature menopause. Additional indicators include:

• Difficulty Getting Pregnant: Because your body produces less estrogen, it is harder to develop or fertilize eggs. You should see your physician about premature menopause if you haven't been able to get pregnant for over a year.
• Family History of Premature Menopause: If anyone in your family has gone through this, you have increased chances of going through premature menopause, as well.
• Cancer Treatment: Cancer treatment is a major cause of ovarian failure. Women who have gone through chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer are at higher risk of premature menopause as the ovaries lose their functionality.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Unfortunately, autoimmune disorders can trigger premature menopause. Be aware of this and, if you experience any of the normal symptoms of menopause, see your healthcare provider about it.

What Treatment Methods Help with Premature Menopause?

There are a lot of treatment options available to help with premature menopause. While they are not designed to reverse menopause, they will help your body adjust to the changes by lessening the effect. You may still get pregnant even if you are going through premature menopause. Among the options available are medications and alternative medications. They include:

• Options for Pregnancy: If you still want to have children but are going through premature menopause, you can try fertility treatments to help your body produce enough estrogen to become pregnant. Donor eggs are also an option.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms, such as a pill or cream. It is most beneficial for women going through premature menopause. There is less risk for younger women in taking HRTs than older women. In addition to easing symptoms of menopause, hormone therapy has even proven to help prevent osteoporosis (a bone-thinning disease common after menopause) and heart failure.
• Diet and Exercise: Diet and exercise can help reduce symptoms such as irritability and hot flashes. It's recommended that exercise be limited to aerobics and light lifting. Anything too rigorous could accelerate your hot flashes. Foods that help with menopause include flaxseed, soy, yams, and primrose oil. Cut smoking, alcohol and caffeine out of your diet as much as possible. Also consider a multivitamin designed specifically for menopausal women.
• Alternative Medicine: Some women find relief in alternative medicine such as yoga, relaxation therapy and acupuncture. Anything that is stress relieving should help you cope with emotional changes and find temporary relief from physical changes.

While age is one major cause of menopause, it's not the only one. Other factors that play a part in menopause are family and health history. If you have identified signs of premature menopause, you should see your healthcare provider to determine if that's really what your body is going through. Consider your treatment methods, as well. Make minor adjustments in your lifestyle to promote good health. Also consider medication such as hormone therapy to reduce both physical and emotional symptoms.

Learn more about treatment options at http://www.genemedics.com.

2 February 2015