Women’s bodies experience incredible transformations throughout life. From menarche (first menstrual period), reproductive years, managing perimenopause, and navigating the golden years (menopause), a woman is called upon to adapt her everyday life routine, understanding her body’s journey.

As a professor of Obstetrics and Genetics, I must emphasize what I primarily teach my students at the university: our scientific excellence as gynecologists-obstetricians is obviously insufficient without sensitivity, empathy, and the inclusion of psychological parameters in the diagnosis of a gynecological problem and the design of the treatment plan. Our approach must primarily be personalized, medically and psychologically checked, and above all, humane.

Perimenopause can start at age 40 (the menopausal transition); you may notice signs, such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness. Your periods are longer or shorter because of the main female hormone in your body, estrogen, which decreases. After 2 or 3 missing periods, you think, “I’m too young for menopause.”

What age is considered early menopause?

The average age of menopause is 51. Menopause between ages 40 and 45 is considered “early menopause,” and before 40 is called “premature menopause.” About 5% of women experience early menopause, and roughly 1% of women go through premature menopause. During this time, your estrogen gradually declines, affecting your periods, energy, and mood.

Symptoms of premature or early menopause

Symptoms can include:

  • hot flushes and sleep issues
  • vaginal dryness
  • low mood or anxiety
  • reduced sex drive
  • problems with memory or concentration
  • Weight gain

Diagnosis of premature or early menopause

  • Gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound to check ovarian function
  • Hormone measurement (FSH & AMH)
  • Thyroid check and prolactin measurement
  • Autoimmune tests and karyotype analysis

 

Treatment of premature or early menopause

  • Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed with progesterone to help balance estrogen and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

  • THERMIva®, the groundbreaking solution for vaginal revitalization

The non-surgical treatment uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to restore, revive, and rejuvenate female tissues by stimulating collagen production.  A typical course of treatment includes three 30-minute sessions, spaced about a month apart, with no downtime required. The treatment can help with issues like vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and vaginal laxity, while simultaneously having an excellent esthetic effect throughout the genital area and labia majora, literally turning back time by at least 3 decades!

Causes of premature or early menopause

You have a higher chance of early or premature menopause if you:

  • started your periods early
  • smoke
  • are underweight
  • Early or premature menopause can also be caused by treatment for other conditions.
  • Chromosomal abnormalities and autoimmune diseases
  • Family history of early menopause.

Consequences of premature or early menopause

  • The risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases increases.
  • Fertility decreases, and a woman can only conceive through egg donation.