Premature Menopause – Symptoms of Premature Menopause

If menopause occurs before the age of 40 years then it is considered premature menopause. Symptoms of premature menopause are more or less same as normal menopause but the psychological impact of the premature menopause are significantly different. Normal average age of menopause is 51 years.

The common premature menopause symptoms include irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings etc.

Some women may experience menopause between the age of 40 and 45. This is considered early menopause, but any menopause that occurs before the age of 40 is not normal and is considered premature.

The main cause of premature menopause is the premature ovarian failure (POF). Here ovaries either stop producing eggs or stop producing the hormone that helps in ovulating.

Symptoms of premature menopause are more sever. In addition to all the symptoms of normal menopause the psychological symptoms of premature menopause affects women the most.

Career or other woman who marry late in their thirties and want to plan for children may feel devastated if they experience premature menopause. The psychological impact takes some time to subside. Coming to terms with this reality may not be easy for some women.

Decreased sex drive is one of the other symptoms of premature menopause that may have a psychological impact on the married couple that has to be dealt with.

If your menstrual cycles are irregular then you should contact your gynecologist who normally will suggest blood tests to rule out any possibilities of being pregnant or thyroid malfunctioning.

Gynecologist may also check the hormone levels to confirm if this is the onset of menopause. During menopause estrogen levels fall. After ruling out all other possibilities the hormone test will confirm or rule out menopause.

Learn more about menopause in the other related articles:

Premature Menopause – Symptoms of Premature Menopause

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