Causes of Early Menopause
May 29, 2009
When menstrual period does not occur in a woman for six months to a year, she is said to be in menopause. The average age of menopause is 50 years. If menopause occurs before 40, it is known as early or premature menopause. Early menopause could cause long-term ill effect on the health of a woman.
Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure is bound to have adverse psychological affect. In some instances, menopause occurs in women in their twenties and thirties. Early menopause is particularly disastrous for women who do not get the chance to conceive.
When the ovary for some reason stops production of eggs, imbalance in the level of the sex hormones occurs. This consequently results in menopause.
Causes of Early Menopause
Hereditary factor
Five percent of early menopause cases are attributable to genetic factors. If your mother, sister or grandmothers had early menopause, the chance of having early menopause increases. Defects in the X chromosome cause premature ovarian failure.
Autoimmune malfunction
Two thirds of early menopause develops from autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the ovary, endometrium or the ovarian hormones as an invader. Consequently, the immune system produces antibodies, which attack the reproductive system of the body. Autoimmune malfunction subsequently causes ovarian failure. Genetic factors, thyroid ailments, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes might be responsible for autoimmune disorders.
Side effect of cancer treatment
Cancer treatments using chemotherapy or radiation therapy are capable of damaging the ovary. Low doses of chemotherapy or radiation can cause temporary cessation of menstrual period. Similarly, Tamoxifen, use in breast cancer treatment, is responsible for early menopause. However, this effect is largely temporary in nature.
Surgery
Removal of ovary in treatment of cancer, hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy causes early menopause.
Adverse effects of Early Menopause
Early menopause increases the risk of heart ailments and osteoporosis. Unfortunately, early menopause cannot be cured. Hormone Replacement Therapy is capable of reducing the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. HRT is perhaps capable of reducing chances of heart diseases and osteoporosis.
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