Premature menopause, a delicate condition

Menopause is part of every woman’s life and is absolutely normal. Whether we like it or not, we age and our body feels the passing years in every cell of its body. Thus, as we get older, it loses its natural abilities and goes through a series of changes, like menopause. The cessation of reproductive function is therefore an inevitable consequence of ageing. Find out with Barza why premature menopause occurs, a delicate condition that can have a powerful impact on women.

What is premature menopause

Unlike natural, biologically normal menopause, premature menopause occurs around the age of 40. This means well before the appropriate age (50-51 on average), which is why it is classed as a condition.

Premature menopause affects 1 in 100 women

According to statistics, premature menopause affects 1 in 100 women aged between 30 and 39.

Also, even much younger women can experience this problem. 1 in 1,000 women, aged 15-29, experience menopause.

Causes of premature menopause

In many cases, this condition is caused by:

• genetic factors (chromosome abnormalities, e.g. Turner syndrome);
• an ovum deficiency from birth (usually inherited from the mother, who also experienced early menopause);
• rarely, infections such as mumps or tuberculosis;
• a weakened immune system following surgery/untreated or incorrectly treated viral infections;
• cancer treatments (1 in 3 women who had chemotherapy/radiotherapy as a child or teenager experience premature menopause in adulthood);
• unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits;
• working in a toxic environment;
• various diseases such as obesity, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), thyroid diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases.

How premature menopause manifests itself

The symptoms are usually similar to those of normal menopause:

• irregular menstruation (up to absence of menstrual cycle for a period that may exceed 2-3 months);
• hot flushes (sudden sensations of heat);
• dryness in the vagina;
• bladder discomfort;
• urinary incontinence;
• weight gain;
• decreased libido;
• feeling of dry eyes;
• a dry appearance of the skin;
• muscle or joint pain;
• migraines and insomnia;
• mood fluctuations;
• memory loss.

Risks and conditions associated with premature menopause

Women who enter menopause early are at greater risk of other health problems, including:

• infertility;
• cardiovascular disease;
• osteoporosis;
• cystitis;
• various forms of cancer (ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer);
• Alzheimer’s (especially in women with a family history of the disease).

The explanation is that the onset of menopause causes a decrease in oestrogen levels, and these hormones normally play an important role in protecting the whole body. Therefore, a lower level of oestrogen creates imbalances in the immune system and can cause multiple damages in all biological processes.

How to detect premature menopause

Using a Barza menopause test, you can find out in just a few minutes if your reproductive system is in optimal parameters.

It is a rapid, urine-based test that detects follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), specific for perimenopause and menopause. The test is over 99% accurate and can be performed at home at any time of the day.

Certainly, no woman is ready for a diagnosis of early menopause, but once some specific symptoms are observed, a reliable diagnosis, found as early as possible, is absolutely necessary.

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Premature menopause is a delicate and serious condition that requires special attention as early as possible. By following the appropriate treatments for each individual, symptoms can be kept under control and the effects can be improved.

Because health is the priority and important things should not be put off!