Premature menopause refers to menopause happening before the age of 40.
Below are some things that you may need to understand about the condition including the causes, effects, symptoms, prevention measures and treatment.
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1. Causes of premature menopause
Premature menopause can be caused by premature ovarian failure.
Damage to the ovaries due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Surgical removal of the ovaries
2. Symptoms of premature menopause
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
Hot flashes
Low libido
Irregular sleep
3. Can it be treated?
There are no existing treatments for premature menopause. However, hormone therapy is available to alleviate the symptoms of premature menopause.
4. What are the effects of premature menopause?
It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
It increases damage caused by aging, therefore meaning your body ages faster.
You can't get pregnant.
It increases risk of heart disease.
It increases risk of osteoporosis.
5. Are there any lifestyle decisions that can be made to reduce the occurrence of early menopause?
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Some lifestyle choices increase the chances of early menopause occurring, such as excessively consuming alcohol, smoking. Taking reasonable precautions to live a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of early menopause.