Premature and early menopause : Signs of early menopause

Early menopause : What is this ?

Premature menopause, or premature ovarian failure (PMF), marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and ovarian function before the age of 40. This condition affects around 1% of women. In rare cases, it can even occur before the age of 30, affecting 1 in 10,000 women. Symptoms include hot flushes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and fatigue.

> Duration of menstrual periods during menopause: What you need to know

Early menopause age

The average age of onset of premature menopause is generally before 40. In comparison, natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and usually around the age of 50.

Early menopause occurs when menstruation ceases for good between the ages of 35 and 40, and very early menopause when it stops before 35. Under the age of 30, this phenomenon is extremely rare.

The exact age varies from person to person, but if signs appear before the age of 40, it’s advisable to consult a health professional.

What are the differences with “classic” menopause?

Unlike the classic menopause, which generally begins with a transition phase called premenopause or perimenopause, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuating hormonal symptoms over several years, early menopause occurs suddenly. Affected women do not go through this transition period, and their menstrual cycle stops abruptly.

In addition, early menopause has a significant impact on fertility, putting an end to the natural ability to conceive. This represents a major challenge for those wishing to have children, often necessitating the use of assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What is the difference between early and premature menopause ?

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and typically occurs between ages 45 and 55. When it happens earlier than this usual range, it can be categorized as either early or premature menopause. Early menopause generally refers to the natural decline in ovarian function that leads to menopause between the ages of 40 and 45, whereas premature menopause occurs before age 40 and is often linked to factors such as genetic predispositions, autoimmune conditions, or medical interventions like chemotherapy or surgical removal of the ovaries. The distinction is important because premature menopause can lead to a more abrupt hormonal change and may require tailored medical management to address its unique health implications.

Early menopause symptoms :

Early menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 45, can bring about a range of symptoms as the body adjusts to decreasing hormone levels. Recognizing these signs is important for seeking proper guidance and management. Common early menopause symptoms include:

• Cognitive Changes: Occasional memory lapses or difficulty concentrating.
• Irregular or Missed Periods: Changes in menstrual cycle patterns can be one of the first noticeable signs.
• Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of heat that spread over the body, often accompanied by sweating.
• Night Sweats: Intense sweating during sleep, which can disrupt rest.
• Vaginal Dryness: Reduced lubrication that may lead to discomfort during intercourse.
• Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or episodes of depression.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulties falling or staying asleep, which may exacerbate fatigue.
• Decreased Libido: A reduction in sexual desire often linked to hormonal changes.

Signs of early menopause while on the pill

Women using birth control pills may not notice the classic signs of early menopause as clearly, since the pills regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels. However, some symptoms can still manifest, indicating early ovarian aging. Be aware of these subtle signs and consult your healthcare provider if you notice changes. Key indicators include:

• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden feelings of heat or excessive sweating, even while on hormonal contraception.
• Mood Swings: Unexplained irritability, anxiety, or mood changes that persist.
• Vaginal Dryness & Discomfort: Persistent dryness that may lead to discomfort during intimacy.
• Decreased Libido: A noticeable drop in sexual desire despite the stabilizing effects of the pill.
• Breakthrough Bleeding: Unusual spotting or bleeding patterns that deviate from your typical cycle.

What are the causes and risk factors?

Early menopause, also known aspremature ovarian failure, is influenced by a variety of causes and risk factors. Here are the main ones to consider:

Genetic and familial causes: Genetic predisposition is a determining factor. Genetic diseases such as Turner syndrome or fragile X syndrome can cause premature menopause. What’s more, if early menopause is present in close family members, the risk increases, affecting around 20-30% of women concerned.

• Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks itself, can destroy the ovaries. Notable among these are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease and lupus , affecting 10-30% of women in early menopause.

• Medical treatments: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, especially when applied to the pelvic region, can induce early menopause. Surgical removal of the ovaries or uterus(hysterectomy) is also a direct cause.

• Infections and diseases: Certain viral infections, such as tuberculosis, mumps or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, can damage the ovaries. Metabolic disorders such as type I diabetes or Addison’s disease can also play a role.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking can bring forward the age of menopause by 1 to 2 years, representing a significant risk. A low body mass index, vegetarian diet, lack of physical exercise, and low sun exposure can also influence risk.

Other factors: Medical conditions such as epilepsy have been linked to an increased risk of premature menopause. Certain medications and toxins can also have a negative impact on ovarian function.

Understanding these causes and risk factors is essential to identifying and effectively managing early menopause.

Signs of early menopause

Signs of Early Menopause

Early menopause, occurring typically before age 45, can signal important hormonal shifts in a woman’s body. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for seeking medical guidance and managing changes effectively. Here are the key signs of early menopause:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Periods may become shorter, longer, or skipped entirely.
• Hot Flashes: Sudden bursts of heat that can disrupt daily activities.
• Night Sweats: Intense sweating during sleep leading to restlessness.
• Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, or episodes of depression.
• Vaginal Dryness: Reduced lubrication causing discomfort during intimacy.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulties falling or staying asleep.
• Decreased Libido: Noticeable reduction in sexual desire.
• Cognitive Changes: Occasional memory lapses or challenges with concentration.

Early menopause diagnosis

Identifying early menopause, i.e. the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40, requires a precise diagnostic process. Here are the key steps:

• Pregnancy test: It’s essential to rule out the possibility of pregnancy first, as this can lead to the cessation of menstruation.

• Interview and medical and family history: An in-depth interview enables us to take a medical and family history, identifying any genetic predispositions or cases of early menopause in the family.

• Physical examination: This examination is designed to assess general health and detect any physical abnormalities or signs of underlying disease.

Blood tests: Blood tests are essential for measuring hormone levels. The main tests include:

• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Elevated FSH levels over several weeks indicate early menopause. However, a single elevated value is not sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.
• Estrogen (estradiol): Low estradiol levels are characteristic of early menopause.
• AMH (anti-mullerian hormone): LowAMH levels suggest diminished ovarian reserve.
• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone): This test is performed to rule out hypothyroidism, which can present similar symptoms.
• PRL (prolactin): Elevated prolactin levels can affect the menstrual cycle and are taken into account in the diagnosis.

Genetic and chromosomal tests: For women under 35, or if genetic abnormalities are suspected, genetic tests can be performed.

Pelvic ultrasound: This technique can assess the size and vascularity of the ovaries and count follicles, providing valuable information on ovarian status.

Bone density assessment: Low bone density may indicate osteoporosis, a risk associated with early menopause due to the drop in estrogen.

This multidimensional approach ensures accurate diagnosis of early menopause and helps to understand its causes, facilitating treatment and symptom management.

What are the consequences for women’s health ?

Early menopause has significant implications for women’s health, influencing both physical and psychological well-being. Let’s take a look at the main implications:

Physical consequences

The anticipated drop in estrogen levels can cause a variety of health problems:

• Osteoporosis: Weakened bone density due to estrogen reduction increases the risk of fractures and diseases such as osteoporosis.
• Cardiovascular disorders: The risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and stroke, is higher due to the reduced protection offered by estrogen.
• Genito-urinary problems: Vaginal dryness, vulvar discomfort and urinary problems such as incontinence are common with the drop in estrogen.
• Premature aging of the skin: Estrogen depletion can accelerate skin aging, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.

Psychological and cognitive consequences

The effects of early menopause also extend to mental and cognitive well-being:

• Mood disorders and depression: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings, anxiety and even depression.
• Cognitive decline: The risk of cognitive decline, including memory impairment and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, is increased.
• Insomnia and fatigue: frequent symptoms of night sweats and insomnia can have a negative impact on quality of life and energy levels.

Impact on fertility

Early menopause leads to infertility, which can be a major source of concern for those wishing to have children. Nevertheless, solutions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with egg donation are still possible.

This overview underlines the importance of ongoing medical support and appropriate treatment to manage the consequences of early menopause and ensure optimal health.

Solutions for coping with early menopause

Miyé’s natural approaches

For those looking for natural menopause remedies to relieve the symptoms of early menopause, [MY] ESSENTIELS SÉRÉNITÉ presents itself as an interesting option. This dietary supplement has been specially formulated to reduce mood fluctuations, fatigue and sleep disorders.

MY] ESSENTIALS SERENITY components include :

• 3 forms of magnesium (bisglycinate, malate and citrate): Crucial for nervous and mental well-being, they help balance emotions and combat fatigue.
• 3 adaptogenic plants (saffron, griffonia, rhodiola): They stimulate well-being hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, improving mood and concentration. Saffron is particularly well-known for its beneficial effects against depression and anxiety.
• Sugar-free, suitable for diabetics: The formula is designed for those who need to watch their sugar intake.

These key elements help to regulate hormonal balance, reduce fatigue and improve sleep. They also contribute to a general sense of relaxation and well-being, essential for a quality life during early menopause.

[MY] ESSENTIELS FEMININE BALANCE is another Miyé supplement, enriched with adaptogenic herbs and vitamins, designed to support women in coping with hormonal imbalances and the symptoms of early menopause.

Its main ingredients are :

• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic plant promotes physical, mental and emotional balance, as well as improved concentration.
• Lemon balm: A powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress and promotes restful sleep, while reducing agitation and nervousness.
• Rosemary: In synergy with lemon balm and ashwagandha, rosemary supports the immune system and helps purify the liver, while preventing water retention and bloating.
• Vitamins B9, B12 and D3: Vital for the immune system, muscle and bone health.

These components promote healthy hormone regulation, combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and help restore concentration and sleep quality, offering physical and mental support to women in early menopause.

MY] DUO FEEL GOOD pack combines [MY] ESSENTIALS SERENITY and [MY] ESSENTIALS FEMALE BALANCE for an integral approach to managing the symptoms of early menopause, thanks to adaptogenic plants, essential vitamins and minerals.

Benefits include :

• Improved mood and concentration: thanks to adaptogenic plants such as saffron, griffonia, rhodiola, ashwagandha and lemon balm.
• Reduces fatigue and restlessness: Magnesium and vitamins B9, B12 and D3 help manage emotional and physical stress.
• Improved sleep: antioxidant and soothing components promote better quality sleep.

This comprehensive, natural solution is ideal for those seeking to improve their well-being during early menopause.

Hormonal treatments: benefits and precautions

Hormonal treatments, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can be effective in relieving the symptoms of early menopause. However, it is essential to consult a physician before starting any such treatment.

The benefits of HRT include:

• Symptomatic relief: HRT can reduce hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency.
• Disease prevention: It can help prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disorders by replacing missing hormones.

Discussing the potential benefits and risks of HRT with a doctor is essential, especially if you have a history of breast cancer, thromboembolic disorders or liver disease. A medical consultation is imperative to assess whether HRT is suitable for you, and to adjust treatment if necessary.

Understanding the causes of menopausal disorders, including hormonal, genetic and autoimmune factors, is essential for women who wish to manage these symptoms proactively.

Taking care of your mental and physical health, and avoiding harmful factors such as smoking, can also reduce the risk of serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. So it’s essential not to delay in consulting a healthcare professional for a personalized and effective approach to menopause management.

Sources :

1. https://www.deuxiemeavis.fr/blog/article/1026-qu-est-ce-que-la-menopause-precoce
2. https://recomedicales.fr/recommandations/insuffisance-ovarienne-prematuree/
3. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9nopause_pr%C3%A9matur%C3%A9e