Premature Menopause-An Early Onset Of Failure
Menopause is a natural stage in life, just after middle age and right before becoming a senior citizen. But what happens if this event does not occur within this specified time frame? The result is premature menopause. Premature menopause might sound like a cake-walk to some women-menstruation can stop as early as teen years-but it is in fact a serious health problem that needs to be addressed.
An Unnatural Occurrence
It is natural for menopause to occur once a woman has reached her mid forties and early fifties. However, when the same occurrences that comprise menopause happen at a much earlier age, it is known as premature menopause, or Premature Ovarian Failure. Only affecting about four percent of the female population, this condition can occur anytime before age forty. In many girls, it occurs as early as their teenage years.
In menopause, monthly menstruation stops and the ovaries stop producing eggs. What makes this occur in young girls? Premature menopause could take place for a number of reasons. There might be no more eggs left in the ovaries, or there could be something wring with the remaining eggs or with the ovaries themselves. Finally, if the ovaries have been removed, this will lead to premature menopause as well.
Specifically, however, several diseases and conditions have been known to cause such a failure in the ovaries or the eggs. These include Swyer syndrome, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, Turner syndrome, and many others. The condition can also be genetically determined.
What Is The Danger?
Many women and girls with premature menopause find the prospect of living life without menstruation exciting-but they are most likely not aware of the consequences and health concerns that are associated with premature menopause. Those with premature menopause are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis and heart disease. Additionally, there is a very limited chance that a woman with premature menopause will be able to have children. This is perhaps one of the most terrible consequences of all.
A Clear Warning
If you are suffering hot flashes or your period has stopped and you are under the age of forty, it is important to see your doctor to either eliminate or diagnose premature menopause as the reason. Though these may seem like clear warning signs, some ignore them or brush them off as nothing-something that could be dangerous for their health and well being.
