4 Major Causes Of Early Menopause

Ladies, let’s be honest after enduring painful period cramps, many of us have probably wished our periods would just disappear for good, right?

But hold on be careful what you wish for! If your periods stop completely before a certain age, it could actually signal an underlying health issue.

As we know, menstruation is a natural part of every woman’s life, beginning with puberty and continuing until menopause later in life.

Typically, puberty starts around age 12, while menopause usually occurs after the age of 45.

Menopause marks the stage where a woman’s reproductive hormones gradually decline with age, eventually leading to the end of her monthly periods.

Both puberty and menopause are natural transitions that can't be delayed or rushed they're entirely driven by hormonal changes in the body.

And with these hormonal shifts come certain physical and emotional symptoms.

For example, before menstruation begins each month, many women experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome)—a mix of emotional and physical signs that signal the onset of their period.

Some common symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) include mood swings, irritability, increased appetite, constipation, abdominal cramps, and breast tenderness.

In a similar way, when a woman enters menopause, she may go through a variety of symptoms such as vaginal discomfort, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, fatigue, a decrease in libido, changes in skin texture, and even the appearance of excess body hair.

Most women are aware that menopause generally occurs after the age of 45 and are somewhat prepared for the changes it brings.

However, there's a condition called early onset menopause, where menopause can occur much earlier sometimes even in a woman’s 30s!

This early transition can significantly impact her quality of life, affecting everything from her health to her emotional well-being. It can also interfere with her fertility and intimate relationships, potentially robbing her of the freedom and vibrancy often associated with youth.

Here are some major causes of early onset menopause:

# Surgeries

Certain surgeries, particularly those involving the reproductive system, can trigger early menopause. Women who have had their uterus or ovaries removed, or who’ve undergone pelvic or cervical cancer surgeries, are at a higher risk due to the disruption in hormone production.

# Chemotherapy

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or prolonged radiation therapy can damage the ovaries and interfere with the body’s ability to produce essential reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to early menopause.

# Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading yet preventable causes of early menopause. The harmful toxins in cigarettes can disrupt hormonal balance and accelerate ovarian aging, putting smokers at greater risk.

# Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid imbalances can lead to abnormal hormone fluctuations, which may disturb the menstrual cycle and contribute to the premature onset of menopause.