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Early Onset Menopause: What It Is and What to Do

KimA | Aug 11, 2009 |

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It is not uncommon for some women to begin noticing symptoms of menopause in their 30s, and this early onset, because unexpected, can sometimes produce feelings of anxiousness and/or depression. The first question many women have is "How will early onset menopause affect me?"

Menopause, in the public mind, is linked with older women, and although rarer, it can happen to younger women. If a woman is experiencing full menopause symptoms before she is 40 years of age, she is considered to be experiencing early onset menopause. This can have a significant impact on a younger woman's emotions. It can be devastating to experience early menopause, as that may be more emotionally difficult than the associated symptoms of menopause themselves.

Some of the causes of early onset menopause are premature ovarian failure. In that, your body's immune system attacks itself causing your ovaries to stop functioning. Early menopause can be a brought on as a result of medical procedures. Menopause can occur rapidly as a result of ovarian surgery or a hysterectomy, both of which cause hormone levels to drop immediately. Those that do not have their ovaries removed along with their hysterectomy can still have damage from the procedure which can cause premature menopause.

Having your tubes tied is one factor that might contribute to experiencing early menopause. Weight loss, including that resulting from anorexia, can also cause this. Your mother's age at menopause can be a direct indicator of what you can expect. Get your doctors advice to figure out whether this is premature menopause or not.

Early onset menopause, caused by low levels of estrogen, brings with it the following symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, painful joints, decreased interest in sex, vaginal dryness, skin changes, and changes in sleep patterns. Menopause symptoms are typically less severe in women who go through the change of life naturally, than for women who experience early onset menopause.

Support groups are available to women who want to discuss the difficult and emotionally traumatic issues which can sometimes accompany the early onset of menopause. It can be difficult for a woman to lose her ability to bear children, and she should be allowed time and space to deal with this change. Support from friends and family is so very important during this time.

And, ultimately, take the time to comprehend and accept the emotions and changes of early onset menopause. Expressing your thoughts and feelings in an honest and forthright manner is often helpful. Please keep in mind that this did not happen as a result of something you did or didn't do. Guilt will make an emotional situation worse. Give yourself time to grieve; there is time later to discuss your options.