Premature Menopause - What Can You Do To Manage It?

A woman s reproductive phase starts with menarche and ends with menopause when her menstruation cycles stop. This usually happens as a part of normal ageing and is seen by the time a woman reaches 45 to 50. However, due to various reasons listed above, this could happen before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause, when a woman ceases to have periods prior to the age of 40. Premature menopause has a hereditary connection; so if it is common in your family, it is highly likely you could have it too.

The female hormones have a lot of benefits for the overall health of a woman. With menopause, the levels of these hormones reduce. This results in effects like irritability, mucosal and skin dryness, reduced sex drive, inability to bear children, and depression also. It is a biological signal of the end of the womanly phase, which can be depressing for some women. If you are above 40 and have not had a period in the last 6 months, consult a doctor to confirm if you are going through menopause.

Aside from infertility, there are some complications that manifest in other body systems. These hormones prevent bone health, and post-menopause, a woman is more prone to fractures due to loss of density. Estrogens also play a cardioprotective role. Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of heart attacks and stroke. Hormone supplements can help in overcoming these side effects. However, they should be taken under medical guidance.

If a woman has not completed her family planning, menopause could be a major setback, emotionally as well as physically. However, this is about 1% of the women. For a few more, this also symbolizes the end of their feminine phase, and so they begin to feel that they are less attractive and less charming. Reduced sex drive is another reason for this emotional impact. Feeling depressed and irritable are common after menopause, but with hormone replacement, this can be easily managed.