Premature Menopause: Can You Get Menopause At 35?
Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is known as early menopause, while menopause before the age of 40 is referred to as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Incidence rate
Spontaneous early menopause affects about 5% of women before the age of 45, and premature menopause is estimated to impact 1% of women under 40 and 0.1% of women under 30.
Premature menopause differs from menopause around the average age of 45-55 because it results from the ovaries not functioning correctly, leading to the cessation of egg production years earlier than expected.
Causes
Causes for early and PM can vary, with approximately 90% of cases having an unknown reason.
Certain surgeries or cancer treatments can also contribute to early menopause.
The symptoms of PM are similar to those experienced during perimenopause.
However, in some cases, women on hormonal contraception might not immediately notice changes in their periods but may experience other symptoms.
Also, read: What Are The 1st Signs Of Menopause? Common Symptoms
Diagnosis of early and PM involves a blood test to measure hormone levels.
It may take time to establish a diagnosis due to potential overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
Treatment and Management
Managing early and premature menopause often involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as controlling menopausal symptoms.
Fertility can be affected by early and PM since ovulation does not occur regularly, making it difficult to conceive naturally.
Women who wish to have children might consider options such as;
- IVF with donated eggs,
- using their own previously stored eggs,
- surrogacy, or adoption.
While most women experiencing premature menopause do not ovulate, a small percentage might still have the chance to conceive.
Support for PM
Support is available for women going through early or PM through various avenues, including Menopause Cafes, online forums, social media groups, and support websites where they can connect with others who share similar experiences.
.){kind=link}