Early Signs of Menopause in Young Women

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The average age of menopause (natural menopause) is about 51 years of old -- in the U.S! But in a few women, it also comes too early because of some external factors (particularly such as; some medical procedures, illness, or even genetics). The condition when women experience menopause before 40 years of old is familiar called as ‘premature menopause’. And the early signs of menopause in young women (premature menopause) are often the same as women who experience natural menopause.

You might also like read about perimenopause weight gain, before continuing!

Furthermore, women undergoing too early phase of menopause are usually not only to become uncomfortable with emotional problem, hot flashes, or other common signs but also they need to cope additional emotional and physical problems. For instance, women who are below 40 of the age may still wish to experience pregnancy, while those who are over 40s or 50s are more likely to not have the wish of getting pregnant.

How to diagnose earlier menopause?

For making a diagnosis of premature menopause, the doctors usually will perform several tests to find other health conditions that may contribute in causing premature menopause. These tests may include blood tests and physical exams.

A blood test is usually the most important procedure for making a diagnosis of premature menopause! It can give an accurate result for the level of your FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). FSH can affect the production of your estrogen. The higher level of FSH can be an indication that your body is in menopause.

Sometimes, you may need also to perform a test to find out estradiol levels of your body. Estradiol is a form/kind of estrogen, and your ovaries can be indicated starting to fail if you have low estradiol level (below 36).

If you in doubt with your condition -- consult with a doctor, especially if you have the following conditions:

1. You have a family history of premature menopause.
2. There is family member that you have who has a history of lupus, Grave’s disease, and hypothyroidism.
3. Your body has undergone some medical procedures that can put you at higher risk of earlier menopause, such as radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

In addition, women who have unsuccessfully tried to have a pregnancy for more than 1 year may also have higher risk of earlier menopause!

Early signs of premature menopause

The following are 2 common early signs of menopause in young women (premature menopause):

1. Changes in your periods! If you have regular period, you will find obviously that your menstrual cycles are beginning to be irregular and increase gradually to become drastically irregular along with the age. This symptom may be slightly difficult to be noticed if you have irregular period. Furthermore, you usually also experience lighter/heavier period than usual!
2. Feeling of warmth that comes suddenly and usually spread over your upper body -- this symptom is also familiar known as ‘hot flashes’. You may also like to read symptoms of perimenopause and menopause!

Both symptoms are often used for the indication that your ovaries are declining in producing estrogen. And along with these symptoms, you may also experience other early signs of menopause which include:

1. Decreased libido to get an  intercourse.
2. Changes in your mouth, eyes and skin -- such as ‘a dry problem’ on these areas.
3. Problems associated with bladder control.
4. Become difficult to sleep (you experience insomnia at night).
5. Changes in your emotions, which may include depression and mood swings.
6. Your vaginal become less flexible, dry, and thinner.

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Reference: WebMD