To navigate this stage with confidence, it is crucial to understand the primary risk factors that lead to early Menopause. Also, being aware of symptoms of early Menopause and ways to mitigate them will help in its preparation and management. By reading ahead, you will gain valuable guidance for addressing its impact effectively.

What is Early Menopause?

'I wasn't ready for this' - That's the thought that often comes when a woman is hit with early Menopause.

The first signs of early Menopause are subtle- a skipped period with an onset of sudden warmth and discomfort. 

You may brush it off as stress-related or think it was just a hormonal imbalance issue that can be managed with supplements. But, later, menopause symptoms do not just stop at physical symptoms. The mental fog, severe fatigue and wild mood swings you experience may feel like an irreversible chapter closing before you are ready, and you are into the next phase of the life cycle a bit early.

Menopause is a midlife milestone which marks the end of her menstrual cycle or periods as her ovaries run out of eggs, leading to hormone changes like estrogen drop. The average age for natural Menopause is around 51 years(typically between 45 and 55 years). 

So, early Menopause can be defined as the cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle before the age of 45. 

The causes of early Menopause vary from genetic factors to medical treatments for various health conditions. It can also occur naturally.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of early Menopause closely resemble those of normal Menopause.

• Hot flushes or sensation of intense heat that begins on the face or upper part of the neck
• Night sweats 
• Irregular periods resulting from hormonal fluctuations
• Vaginal dryness due to reduced mucosal secretion
• Dyspareunia or pain during sex as the result of narrowing and drying of the vaginal opening
• Incontinence and frequency of urination
• Extreme Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances like night terrors

Read more: Menopause Age: What to Expect, Signs, and Early Symptoms

1. Genetic Predisposition

Your inherited genes are the next risk factor that leads to early Menopause. 

What are genes? They can be called the blueprint that designs who you are, inside and out.

The factors related to genes causing early Menopause include family history and genetic conditions.

a) Family History:

Have any of your relatives, your mother or sisters faced early Menopause? If yes, then your risk is higher. A strong family history is one of the key risk factors for early Menopause.

b) Genetic Conditions:

Conditions like Turner syndrome or Fragile X syndrome can also cause early ovarian insufficiency, which can lead to early Menopause.

2. Autoimmune Disorders

When your immune system, which usually protects the body from harmful substances (bacteria, viruses), mistakenly attacks its cells and tissues, it results in Autoimmune disorders. Such diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. 

a) Impact on the ovaries:

As the ovaries are a common target for autoimmune attacks, an autoimmune aetiology of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency(POI) should always be considered.

POI is a condition characterised by the early depletion of ovarian follicles that results in early Menopause. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can target the ovaries and accelerate the depletion of ovarian follicles.

b) Immune System Overactivity:

An overactive immune system can mistakenly attack ovarian tissue, leading to a decline in ovarian function. This autoimmune-mediated ovarian damage triggers Early Menopause.

 3. Surgical and Medical Interventions

Premature Menopause or early Menopause can be caused by some of the reasons like surgeries, medical treatments or certain health conditions like cancer. Anything that damages your ovaries or stops your body from making estrogen can cause Menopause.   

Some of such surgical and medical causes are:

a) Oophorectomy: 

Oophorectomy and early menopause are very much connected. Surgical removal of one or both ovaries results in immediate Menopause. This is because ovaries are the primary source of estrogen production. 

b) Hysterectomy: 

Surgery that removes your uterus. If the ovaries are preserved, this surgical procedure does not directly cause Menopause. But at times, it can trigger early Menopause.

c) Cancer Treatments:

Chemotherapy drugs can stop the ovaries from working properly, causing treatment-induced menopause.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors are the modifiable habits and ways of life that can greatly influence the overall health and well-being of women. 

The most affecting factors that can lead to early Menopause are:

a) Smoking:

Throw away that cigarette! 
Did you know that smoking one cigarette can steal 20 minutes of your life expectancy?
Smoking has, for long, been associated with several health risks. One of the health risks is early Menopause, as it can reduce the ovarian reserve and accelerate follicle depletion.

b) Diet and Nutrition:

The quality of the diet is a determining element of an individual's health at every stage of life. It is proven that a healthy diet can help counter the symptoms of perimenopause and also delay the onset of Menopause.

A poor diet lacking the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, can impact ovarian health and may lead to an early menopause.

If you are struggling to make a positive impact on your hormonal health, a tailored approach combining diet and yoga at Nirva Health can help restore balance and manage symptoms effectively.

c) Excessive Alcohol Consumption:

High alcohol intake is linked to hormonal imbalances that can influence the onset of Menopause.

5. Body Weight and Physical Health

Physical activity is a potent tool for health promotion and prevention of early Menopause in women. Obesity is linked to hormonal, lifestyle and environmental changes that occur during the menopause transition.

a) Low Body Weight: 

According to a study, it is proven that:

Want to know what BMI is?

BMI refers to utilising an adult's height and weight to broadly place them into underweight, normal weight and overweight categories. The BMI of normal weight ranges from 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2.

b) Chronic Illness and Stress:

Women with a history of chronic diseases such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases experience Menopause earlier.

Does stress trigger early Menopause?

When under prolonged stress, women may experience early Menopause as the stress hormones can disrupt the cell activity, affecting the estrogen levels.

Follow simple and effective stress management techniques for a healthier you. 

Read detailed strategies in Guide to managing stress for a healthier mind and body.

6. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors affect only a small part of the age variance at which Menopause commences. 

Some factors that trigger early Menopause are:

a) Exposure to Chemicals:

Recent studies suggest that exposure to certain environmental chemicals is associated with early onset of Menopause. 

These chemicals are called EDC or Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in the environment. They may disrupt women's reproductive systems, including ovaries, leading to early Menopause. 

Prolonged exposure to pesticides, certain plastics, and industrial chemicals has been linked to earlier Menopause as these chemicals interfere with the body's hormonal balance.

b) Pollution: 

According to some studies, exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of early Menopause due to its impact on the endocrine system.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Prevention is always better than cure!! 

So, take charge of your health to prevent an early menopause.

How can you prevent the occurrence of cessation of your menstrual cycle at an early age with simple measures? 

Here are some:

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: When you make changes to your food habits by adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, you can witness changes in your hormones as well.
• Regular Exercise: Move your body! To regulate hormones and maintain them in harmony- maintain a healthy weight by regular physical activity and reduce stress levels.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These are the two culprits you should always avoid to improve your overall reproductive health. Reduce or eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption to prevent early menopause.
• Routine Medical Checkups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help detect and manage risk factors for early Menopause.

When to See a Doctor

Are you wondering if you have any chances for early menopause?

By reading through, you are now informed about the various factors that lead to early menopause.

Before panic sets in, consult a healthcare professional or talk with an expert at Nirva Health to get answers to your concerns.

Do remember the red flags of early Menopause!

If you are below 45 years old, watch out for any of the symptoms of early Menopause aforesaid. If you experience those, don't delay to consult your doctor to understand the underlying causes and explore the treatment options.

Early Menopause can impact fertility, so seeking advice from a fertility specialist may be beneficial for those planning to have children.

Treatments for Early Menopause

Awareness of the various treatment options available to mitigate early Menopause helps you to manage symptoms effectively.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Hormone therapy for early menopause is very common nowadays. HRT can help manage the symptoms of early Menopause by replenishing estrogen and progesterone levels.

Is HRT the right management for you?

You can find the answer here- Menopause And HRT: How To Know If It's Time To Reevaluate

2. Lifestyle and Diet Adjustments: 

A balanced diet and exercise can help manage symptoms and maintain bone health. Lifestyle changes can greatly influence your hormonal levels and prevent early menopause.

What can you include in your diet?

• Fruits like bananas, figs, avocado, papaya and nuts like almonds, walnuts 
• Calcium and vitamin D-containing foods like yoghurt, milk, cheese, eggs and so on.
• Green leafy vegetables
• Soaked and cooked green grams

Ensuring regular exercise and physical activities like Yoga or Pilates can improve metabolism, strengthen joints and muscles, decrease stress, promote cardiac health and induce good sleep.

3. Bone Density Testing: 

Early Menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis, so regular bone density tests are recommended.

Wrapping up

Experiencing an early menopause may present you with unique challenges as it comes unexpected. But, you can turn those challenges into a stepping stone for an empowered life. For that, being aware of the risk factors allows you to take proactive steps toward the prevention and management of an early onset.

Women can reduce their risk by understanding genetic predispositions, medical interventions, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures and seeking appropriate care.

For personalised guidance and support, book an appointment with Nirva Experts.