- Chromosomal abnormalities in women with Turner syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and tuberculosis, but these are very rare.
Primary ovarian insufficiency can occur in families. This can be the case if one member of the family has menopause at a very young age (20 or 30 years).
2. Cancer Treatments
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause early ovarian failure. This can happen temporarily or permanently.
The risk of premature menopause depends on:
- Your age
- The type of treatment received
- Which part of the body the radiation therapy is directed to (if you receive radiation therapy around the brain or pelvis, you are at an increased risk of developing premature menopause)
3. Surgery to Remove the Ovaries
Surgical removal of both ovaries also causes premature menopause — for example, having the ovaries removed during a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus).
Treatment of Early Menopause
There is no cure available to reactivate the ovaries. In rare cases, the ovaries may function spontaneously again for unknown reasons. According to some studies, about 1 in 10 women diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) become pregnant for reasons that are not yet clear.
Women with premature menopause are at increased risk of health problems such as early osteoporosis and heart disease. For this reason, it is advisable to take some hormone therapy until you reach the typical age of menopause (about 51 years). This could be an oral contraceptive or menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) that combines estrogen and progestogen.
Both options treat the signs of menopause and reduce the risk of early-stage osteoporosis and heart disease.
Getting Support
Experiencing menopause early can be upsetting and difficult. Permanent premature menopause affects the ability to naturally give birth. Some of the common problems women face are:
- Being sad about the prospect of having no children
- Fear of getting older in advance
- Problems with self-esteem
Even with premature menopause, it is still possible to have children through donated eggs from another woman using IVF. Alternatively, you can save and use your own eggs. Surrogacy and adoption may also be options.
Most importantly, support and counseling groups may be helpful. Consult your doctor for advice on your condition and access to support.
Learn more about Menopause here.
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