Menopause is the permanent cessation of periods. Premature menopause is when menopause occurs before age 40. It is also known as Premature Ovarian Failure . It affects 1% of women.
Causes of Premature Menopause
1. Family history of premature menopause on the maternal side of the women.
2. Genetic conditions like chromosomal abnormalities eg Turners syndrome, Fragile x syndrome.
3. Smoking and ingestion of tobacco is associated with premature menopause.
4. Chemotherapy or Radiation therapy used in cancer treatment can cause damage to ovaries leading to premature menopause.
5. Surgical removal of both the ovaries or the uterus.
6. Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohns etc.
7. Early menarche can be associated with premature menopause.
8. HIV/AIDS
9. Viral infections like mumps can cause premature menopause
10. Metabolic disorders like Galactosemia and Immunological disorders like D George Syndrome
11. Many times there is no specific cause for premature menopause, it can be idiopathic in nature
Risks associated with premature menopause
1. Neurological diseases
2. Psychological dysfunction
3. Mood disorders
4. Infertility
5. Osteoporosis
6. Cardiovascular diseases
Short term consequences of Premature Menopause include: Vasomotor symptoms like
Hot flushes, Night sweats, Palpitations, Headaches, Weight Gain, Vaginal dryness, Dyspareunia, Urgency and Stress incontinence, Psychological Problems including Irritability, Forgetfulness , Poor concentration and insomnia.
Long term consequences of Premature Menopause include: Infertility, Osteoporosis and an increased risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Diagnostic Criteria is based on:
Triad of Amenorrhoea i.e. no periods for 12 months , elevated Gonadotrophin levels i.e FSH &LH levels and sign and symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency.
Investigations for these women include:
FSH & LH levels, Estrogen levels, Chromosomal studies, Thyroid functions, Blood Sugar levels, X Ray of Pituitary gland, Blood calcium levels , Bone mineral density study.
Management of Premature Menopause is primarily to identify the cause and institute treatment based on the cause. It is now possible to induce Ovulation and go for Oocyte Donation in IVF Programmes for women with Premature Ovarian Failure. Some women may benefit with HRT( Hormone Replacement Therapy ) but HRT maybe contraindicated in some women especially those at risk for Ovarian & Breast Cancer. There are lifestyle changes with diet and exercise advised as also the psychological support to be sought through counselling, support groups and online forums.
Conclusion
Premature Menopause cannot be reversed but can be made more comfortable for the women going through it and certain preventive measures can be taken to counter the debilitating effects of premature menopause i.e. Osteoporosis, Angina, Infertility and the risk of Premature Death. Education is important to screen people at risk so as to take the preventive measures and promote women health in the community.
(Article Courtesy: Dr. Preeti Prabhakar Shetty, MBBS, MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Senior Consultant Obstetrician,Gynecologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore)
You may also like
Bihar by-elections: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj to announce candidates today
ECI disqualifies five candidates of Punjab 2022 Assembly polls
Canadian Air Force plane ferries stranded Air India passengers from Iqaluit airport to Chicago
China refuses to renounce force over Taiwan, targets 'external interference'
Odisha Congress Leader Files Dowry Harassment Case Against Husband
Dubai: Gold prices jump over Dh2 per gram in early trade
"Unemployment will be our govt's top priority in J-K," says NC leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad
Gold slipped from record high before Diwali, silver also became cheaper, know the price of your city
With Learnings From WPL And Australia, Kiran Navgire Eager To Make Domestic Season Count
SCO Summit: EAM Jaishankar & Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's 2nd handshake in 12 hours sets internet abuzz| WATCH
DWP abandons 'sick note' PIP voucher plan as Labour begins eying benefits reform
Industrial & warehousing demand gains momentum with about 20 mn sq ft leased in 9 months
Maharashtra: Mumbai Congress General Secretary Alhaz Javed R Shroff Joins Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's NCP Ahead Of Assembly Elections
Sad reason people won't give women life-saving CPR
Reasons Why Couples Opt For Open Marriage
Bank Withdrawal Change: Income tax is keeping an eye on withdrawals of more than one lakh from banks
"Not good for democracy": Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak slams opposition for questioning constitutional institutions
7 Benefits Of Morning Yoga
'Own Your U.S. Application Process:' How Thorough Research Leads To Your Best-Fit University
'Magnificent...' Israeli Ambassador visits Ram Mandir in Ayodhya