Premature menopause

What is premature menopause and how do you know if this is happening to you? When menopause comes on prior to the age of forty, this is when it is considered premature menopause. This is not really common, but does happen. The reason this comes on early is usually when the ovaries stop working. The reason they stop working has not been determined, but there are some factors that have been found associated with it. 

Some of these factors are first, heredity. If your mother or grandmother went through menopause early, then chances are you will too. Stress is another thing that can bring it on, as well as heavy smoking, poor diet, and heavy alcohol use. Another factor can be an autoimmune disease. 

If you or someone you know, are going through premature menopause, you or she may have been born with fewer eggs than the average woman. When your eggs are released at a typical rate, you will run out before someone else. 

There are so many emotions that go with premature menopause. Some of these are anger or disbelief that you are going through this so early in your life. You may feel resentment, shock and you may even feel a bit of shame. This is not your fault, or something that has been in your control. But nevertheless, you still feel these emotions no matter how illogical they may seem to someone else. This is when some counsel from your doctor if he or she is sympathetic, or a qualified therapist, will be a great help. If you keep these feelings inside, you will be at higher risk of depression. 

It is so hard to relate to the typical information that is available for menopause and the typical symptoms, geared around women ages 50 and older. You may feel a bit isolated because of this. If you can find a doctor that is knowledgeable on premature menopause, he or she will be able to help you sort through the feelings you have and help you understand more of what is happening and why. But realize, this is only due to running out of eggs sooner and typically, nothing more. 

As soon as you start going through the symptoms of pre-menopause, contact your doctor, and get an accurate diagnosis to ensure that there is nothing serious going on with your reproductive system. Then you will be able to confront the issues of premature menopause and have all of your questions answered and your feelings confirmed.