Your body possesses a number of complex systems that work together to keep things functioning properly, and few are as important to performing multiple tasks as your endocrine system.
It is responsible for secreting hormones, which your body uses for a variety of different things, including regulating blood pressure, mood, sleep, metabolism, fertility, and sexual function.
For women, two of the most important hormones are estrogen and progesterone, which are collectively responsible for bone growth, maintaining your menstrual cycle, and preparing your body for reproduction.
While menopause brings a reduction in the level of these chemical messengers in your body, dealing with early menopause can cause this natural process to happen faster and increase your risk of some complications sooner than expected.
Let’s explore what you can expect if you’re dealing with early menopause by examining its causes and symptoms.
If you live in the Lake Mary, Florida, area and you think you may have signs of early menopause or other conditions affecting your hormones, Dr. Christopher Quinsey and his skilled medical team can help you deal with the changes and move on with your life.
Early menopause starts before age 45 and affects about 5% of women for a variety of reasons:
If close relatives dealt with early menopause, it increases the chances of you doing the same.
Conditions that affect the functions of your ovaries, like autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic disorders can lead to early menopause.
Surgeries that remove your ovaries or uterus can cause surgical menopause.
Illnesses like Turner’s syndrome and Fragile X can cause problems in your chromosomes leading to early menopause.
Smoking affects estrogen, and body mass index (BMI), and certain diets can factor into how soon you start menopause.
Going a full 12 months without a menstrual cycle before age 45 is the definition of early menopause, and it may start with a range of symptoms, including:
When this starts, having periods with heavy bleeding, spotting, and longer or shorter periods are more likely.
Hormonal changes may affect your sleep cycle, making it harder to get to sleep, causing insomnia. You may also deal with night sweats, which can make your attempts to sleep more uncomfortable.
Your hormones decrease as this process goes on, so expect changes in mood, along with depression or anxiety.
A reduction in estrogen and progesterone also could result in vaginal dryness and a weaker libido, meaning less interest in having sex.
In addition to the changes mentioned above, hormonal changes also could mean changes in weight, hair growth, skin, concentration, and frequency of urinary tract infections.
These are all common symptoms of menopause at what is considered the normal age (late 40s to early 50s), but if you’re dealing with them before age 45, seek help to manage the changes you’re likely to experience during this time.
Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment in the early stages, but lifestyle changes like dressing in layers, avoiding spicy foods, enjoying a more balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and using water-based lubricants during sex can make the transition easier.
Menopause is a natural part of getting older, but if you’re dealing with it earlier than expected, we can help. Make an appointment with Dr. Quinsey today to get the help you need to get through this transition.
