Symptoms of Premature Menopause: Living Proactively Through Change
May 29, 2008 by
Premature menopause, sometimes known as early menopause, is experienced by women in their thirties. A woman may feel bushwhacked by her ovaries but she can take steps to confront premature menopause and live a balanced life as she maneuvers successfully through this change.
What Causes It?
Premature menopause can be brought on simply by genetics (an inclination or predisposition to premature menopause); chromosome defects causing malformation of ovaries; autoimmune disorders that attack the reproductive system and thyroid disease; surgery to remove the ovaries and cancer
treatments cause the ovaries to shut down early. An immediate onset of premature menopause happens when both ovaries are removed causing an abrupt loss of hormones. Cessation of periods due to excessive exercising or an eating disorder are not considered premature menopause.
Can It Be Confirmed?
A blood test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as these levels rise when ovaries stop producing estrogen. Consistent higher than normal levels will confirm premature menopause. Testing for levels of estradiol and luetinizing hormone show how the ovaries are performing and help diagnose premature menopause.
What Are The Symptoms?
Urinary frequency caused by low levels of estrogen; weight shifting to the waist due to hormone level changes; vaginal dryness due to less estrogen supply; sagging skin and wrinkles as higher levels of estrogen normally keep the skin more elastic; fatigue due to lack of sleep; anxiety as the result of a rapid drop in estrogen; depression may come on as normal amounts of estrogen produce serotonin which regulates moods; fuzzy thinking until hormone levels are stabilized; hot flashes in the face and upper body; increased perspiration due to sudden drops in estrogen levels; and mood swings accompanied by bouts of crying.
Whew! These symptoms of premature menopause sound debilitating and they are for a while; however, a woman can be proactive in her attempts to regain a balanced life.
Healthy Lifestyle
What Causes It?
Premature menopause can be brought on simply by genetics (an inclination or predisposition to premature menopause); chromosome defects causing malformation of ovaries; autoimmune disorders that attack the reproductive system and thyroid disease; surgery to remove the ovaries and cancer
Can It Be Confirmed?
A blood test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as these levels rise when ovaries stop producing estrogen. Consistent higher than normal levels will confirm premature menopause. Testing for levels of estradiol and luetinizing hormone show how the ovaries are performing and help diagnose premature menopause.
What Are The Symptoms?
Urinary frequency caused by low levels of estrogen; weight shifting to the waist due to hormone level changes; vaginal dryness due to less estrogen supply; sagging skin and wrinkles as higher levels of estrogen normally keep the skin more elastic; fatigue due to lack of sleep; anxiety as the result of a rapid drop in estrogen; depression may come on as normal amounts of estrogen produce serotonin which regulates moods; fuzzy thinking until hormone levels are stabilized; hot flashes in the face and upper body; increased perspiration due to sudden drops in estrogen levels; and mood swings accompanied by bouts of crying.
Whew! These symptoms of premature menopause sound debilitating and they are for a while; however, a woman can be proactive in her attempts to regain a balanced life.
Healthy Lifestyle
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Posted on 06/01/2008 at 1:06:33 PM