How does premature menopause differ from regular menopause?
Menopause is when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends as result of a decline in the ovarian function. Generally, menopause occurs in women in their late 40s to the early 50s. Premature, or early menopause, on the other hand, is when a woman experiences menopause before she is 40.
Both regular and premature menopause involve lack of female hormones being released. With premature menopause, however, the ovarian function can be restored unlike in the case of menopause.
Irregular Menstrual Cycle? Keep a Close Eye!
Just like in the case of menopause, premature menopause involves symptoms from changes in the female hormones. The most prevalent symptoms are irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea. Other symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness and a loss of sexual desire are also displayed with premature menopause
Hormone Therapy Required
Premature menopause is diagnosed when a woman who has not reached 40 has not had a period in the last six months and have elevated levels of Follicular Stimulating Hormone(FSH) over 40mlU/mL when tested twice in a period of two consecutive months.
When premature menopause is diagnosed, hormone therapy that replenishes female hormones must be carried out until the woman is in her early 50s, which is when menopause usually occurs. This is because various complications, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases may occur from lack of Estrogen.