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What Causes Early Menopause?7/11/2021 What is menopause?
Most women begin menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age for menopause onset in the United States is 51 years old. Early menopause usually refers to onset before age 45. Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency occurs before age 40. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing eggs, resulting in low estrogen levels. Estrogen is the hormone that controls the reproductive cycle. A woman is in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for more than 12 months. But associated symptoms, such as hot flashes, start long before menopause during a period called perimenopause. Anything that damages your ovaries or stops estrogen production can cause early menopause. This includes chemotherapy for cancer or an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). In these cases, your doctor will help prepare you for early menopause. But you can also go into menopause early even if your ovaries are still intact. What causes early menopause? There are several known causes of early menopause, although sometimes the cause can’t be determined. Genetics If there’s no obvious medical reason for early menopause, the cause is likely genetic. Your age at menopause onset is likely inherited. Knowing when your mother started menopause can provide clues about when you’ll start your own. If your mother started menopause early, you’re more likely than average to do the same. However, genes tell only half the story. Lifestyle factors Some lifestyle factors may have an impact on when you begin menopause. Smoking has anti-estrogen effects that can contribute to early menopause. An analysis in 2012 of several studies showed that long-term or regular smokers are likely to experience menopause sooner. Women who smoke may start menopause one to two years earlier than women who don’t smoke. Body mass index (BMI) can also factor into early menopause. Estrogen is stored in fat tissue. Women who are very thin have fewer estrogen stores, which can be depleted sooner. Some research also suggests that a vegetarian diet, lack of exercise, and lack of sun exposure throughout your life can all cause early onset of menopause. Chromosome defects Some chromosomal defects can lead to early menopause. For example, Turner syndrome (also called monosomy X and gonadal dysgenesis) involves being born with an incomplete chromosome. Women with Turner syndrome have ovaries that don’t function properly. This often causes them to enter menopause prematurely. Other chromosomal defects can cause early menopause, too. This includes pure gonadal dysgenesis, a variation on Turner syndrome. In this condition, the ovaries don’t function. Instead, periods and secondary sex characteristics must be brought about by hormone replacement therapy, usually during adolescence. Women with Fragile X syndrome, or who are genetic carriers of the disease, may also have early menopause. This syndrome is passed down in families. Women should discuss genetic testing options with their doctor if they have premature menopause or if they have family members who had premature menopause. Autoimmune diseases Premature menopause can be a symptom of an autoimmune disease such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes a part of the body for an invader and attacks it. Inflammation caused by some of these diseases can affect the ovaries. Menopause begins when the ovaries stop working. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that stems from the brain. Women with epilepsy are more likely to experience premature ovarian failure, which leads to menopause. An older study from 2001 found that in a group of women with epilepsy, about 14 percent of those studied had premature menopause, as opposed to 1 percent of the general population. What are the symptoms of early menopause? Early menopause can begin as soon as you start having irregular periods or periods that are noticeably longer or shorter than your normal. Other symptoms of early menopause include:
Other common symptoms of menopause include:
The time leading into menopause is called perimenopause. During this time, you may have irregular periods and other symptoms that come and go. You’re generally considered to be in menopause if you go 12 months without menstrual bleeding, and you don’t have another medical condition to explain your symptoms. Tests aren’t usually needed to diagnose menopause. Most women can self-diagnose menopause based on their symptoms. But if you think you’re experiencing early menopause, you may want to see your doctor to be sure. Your doctor can order hormone tests to help determine whether your symptoms are due to perimenopause or another condition. These are the most common hormones to check:
Show more: How is early menopause treated or managed? Early menopause generally doesn’t require treatment. However, there are treatment options available to help manage the symptoms of menopause or conditions related to it. They can help you deal with changes in your body or lifestyle more easily. Premature menopause, however, is often treated since it occurs at such an early age. This helps support your body with the hormones that would normally be made until you reach the age of natural menopause. The most common treatment includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Systemic hormone therapy can prevent many common menopausal symptoms. Or you may take vaginal hormone products, usually in low doses, to help with vaginal symptoms. HRT does have risks though. It can increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits to your individual care before starting HRT. Lower doses of hormones may decrease your risk. Can early menopause be reversed? Early menopause can’t usually be reversed, but treatment can help delay or reduce the symptoms of menopause. Researchers are investigating new ways to help women who are in menopause to have children. In 2016, scientists in Greece announced a new treatment that enabled them to restore menstruation and retrieve eggs from a small group of women who were in perimenopause. This treatment made headlines as a way to “reverse” menopause, but little is known about how well it works. The scientists reported treating more than 30 women, ages 46 to 49, by injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into their ovaries. PRP is sometimes used to promote tissue healing, but the treatment hasn’t been proven to be effective for any purpose. The scientists claimed the treatment worked for two-thirds of the women treated. However, the research has been criticized for its small size and lack of control groups. Though the research might have potential for the future, it’s not a realistic treatment option right now. Can early menopause contribute to other conditions? Infertility is often the most obvious concern when you start menopause 10 or more years early. Yet, there are other health concerns. A steady stream of estrogen to your tissues has many uses. Estrogen increases “good” HDL cholesterol and decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol. It also relaxes blood vessels and prevents bones from thinning. Losing estrogen earlier than normal can increase your risk of:
Can early menopause protect me from other conditions? Starting menopause early can actually protect you from other diseases. These include estrogen-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. Women who enter menopause late (after age 55) are at greater risk of breast cancer than those who enter the transition earlier. This is because their breast tissue is exposed to estrogen for a longer time. Easing the transition to menopause A genetic test may one day determine a person’s likelihood of early menopause. For now, though, only time will tell when you’ll start your transition. See your doctor for regular checkups, and be proactive about your reproductive health. Doing so can help your doctor ease the symptoms or decrease your risk factors for early menopause. Seeing a therapist can also help you cope with any pain or anxiety you may feel during menopause. Fertility and your options If you’re interested in having children, you still have a few options for growing your family. These include:
💬 Further inforamtion: #early_menopause #Healthline https://www.facebook.com/healthline/ Cre: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/causes-early
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Overview
Menopause officially marks the end of female reproduction. Although this life stage is well known, there are actually different stages within menopause that are important to recognize and understand. Menopause itself officially occurs when you stop menstruating. Perimenopause, on the other hand, means “around menopause.” It’s also known as the menopause transitional phase and is called such because it happens before menopause. Although they’re both part of the same overall life transition, menopause and perimenopause have different symptoms and treatment options. Any questions, concerns, or abnormal symptoms should be discussed with your OB-GYN. Premenopause vs. perimenopause Premenopause and perimenopause are sometimes used interchangeably, but technically they have different meanings. Premenopause is when you have no symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. You still have periods — whether they’re regular or irregular — and are considered to be in your reproductive years. Some hormonal changes may be occurring, but there are no noticeable changes in your body. On the other hand, during perimenopause, you’ll start to experience symptoms of menopause. They may include:
Perimenopause occurs well before you officially hit menopause. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal changes are seen 8 to 10 years ahead of menopause. This happens during your 30s or 40s even before the onset of perimenopause. Perimenopause is marked by a drop in estrogen, the main female hormone produced by the ovaries. The estrogen levels can also go up and down more sporadically than they do in a typical 28-day cycle. This can cause irregular periods and other symptoms. During the final stages of perimenopause, your body will produce less and less estrogen. Despite the sharp drop in estrogen, it’s still possible to get pregnant. Perimenopause can last for as little as a few months and as long as 4 years. Menopause officially kicks in when the ovaries produce so little estrogen that eggs are no longer released. This also causes your period to stop. Your doctor will diagnose menopause once you haven’t had a period for a full year. You may enter menopause earlier than normal if you:
Show more: Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause When it comes to menopause, most people think about the symptoms more than anything else. These can include those infamous hot flashes, but there are many other changes you might experience during this transition. Perimenopause symptoms Symptoms of perimenopause may include:
As estrogen levels drop, you might start experiencing symptoms of menopause. Some of these can occur while you’re still at the perimenopause stage.
Perimenopause and menopause can also increase cholesterol levels. This is one reason why women in postmenopause are at an even higher risk for heart disease. Continue to have your cholesterol levels measured at least once a year. When to call a doctor You don’t necessarily have to call your doctor to obtain a perimenopause or menopause diagnosis, but there are instances when you should definitely see your OB-GYN. Call right away if you experience:
You should also call your doctor if the symptoms of either perimenopause or menopause become severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Treatments for perimenopause and menopause There are both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen Estrogen (hormone) therapy works by normalizing estrogen levels so sudden hormonal spikes and drops don’t cause uncomfortable symptoms. Some forms of estrogen may even help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen is available over the counter or by prescription. Of note, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may not regulate some of the OTC options. Estrogen is usually combined with progestin and comes in many forms, including:
Other medications Other menopause medications are more targeted. For example:
There are also methods you can use to alleviate your symptoms at home. Regular exercise can help improve your mood, weight gain issues, and even (ironically) your hot flashes. Plan to include some form of physical activity in your daily routine. Just don’t work out before bedtime, as this can increase insomnia. Getting enough rest can seem impossible if you’re dealing with insomnia. Try doing a relaxing activity right before bed, such as gentle yoga or a warm bath. Avoid daytime naps, as this can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. Here are a few other methods you can try to relieve symptoms:
Perimenopause and menopause are both transitional phases that indicate an end to your reproductive years. There are certainly adjustments to be made, but remember that not all aspects are negative. With all of the available treatments, you can get through these stages more comfortably with a bit more freedom, too. 💬 Further inforamtion: #difference_perimenopause #Healthline https://www.facebook.com/healthline/ Cre: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/difference-perimenopause
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Things to consider Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered a safe and effective way to treat perimenopause symptoms, it still carries certain risks. Because of this, many people have turned to home remedies and other holistic methods to help ease their symptoms. While some of these therapies are backed by clinical research, many others have only scant or anecdotal evidence to support their use. Always talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before you try any alternative treatment. They can discuss possible dosage, side effects, and interactions with you. Diet changes When you’re going through perimenopause, you may find that what you eat triggers certain symptoms. Spiking blood sugar levels, for example, can lead to irritability and zap your energy. Dehydration can lead to increased hot flashes. And eating food high in sodium can make you retain water, making you feel bloated. You may find that reducing the amount of refined, processed, and preservative-heavy foods in your diet improves how you feel. Cut down on caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foodLimiting stimulants like coffee and tea may help reduce hot flashes. Spicy food may also contribute to the feeling of heat rising in your body. Alcohol has been linked to making hot flashes worse, so indulge in moderation or cut it out completely. Up your intake of calcium and vitamin DAs you age, your risk of osteoporosis increases. Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium, is also essential. Consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D won’t just make your bones stronger, but can also boost your mood. Use caution with soy and other phytoestrogensThere’s a tentative link between menopause symptoms and a high consumption of soy and other plant estrogens. But the research on this is conflicting. You may want to play it safe and limit intake of foods like tofu, edamame, and soy milk. Regular exercise Exercise can stabilize your blood sugar levels, give you more energy, and boost your mood. And if you exercise regularly, the benefits increase. For example, regular exercise can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis and improve your sleep quality in the long term. It can also aid in weight management. That may reduce hot flashes. For maximum benefit, your exercise routine should include each of these four types of exercise: Aerobic Running, taking a spin class, or going for a brisk walk can all reduce your risk of heart disease and help you maintain a healthy weight. This type of exercise also releases mood-boosting endorphins. Weight-bearing Exercise that involves being on your feet preserves bone mass to help prevent osteoporosis. Tennis, stair-climber machines, and dance classes are all great exercises for bone health. Strengthening Strengthening exercises, like free weights and resistance bands, add muscle mass to your body, which helps you burn extra calories. This kind of exercise has also been linked to reducing anxiety and improving mental health. Flexibility Flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, or regular stretching. Flexibility exercises can improve your coordination, making you surer on your feet, and even stave off arthritis. Stress management When you experience stress, your adrenal glands produce adrenaline to power your body through the situation you’re in. And from menopause on, your adrenal glands are also a source of estrogen. When your adrenal glands are activated too often, they don’t function as well. That leaves your estrogen levels even lower than before. This can exacerbate symptoms like weight gain and difficulty sleeping. You may not be able to cut stress out of your life completely, but you can learn to manage stress in healthy ways that won’t fatigue your adrenal glands. Mindfulness meditation Mindfulness meditation is a stress management technique that focuses on quiet awareness, inner peace, and breathing exercises. It may improve your ability to cope with hot flashes and night sweats. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) CBT can help you reframe negative thought patterns into something more positive. One study suggests that CBT can help improve your mood and overall sleep quality. More research is needed, though. Read more: Other lifestyle changes These changes, though small, may have a big impact on how you feel. Keep your space cool and ventilated Make sure that spaces you frequent have proper air-conditioning equipment and ventilation in case you need to cool off quickly. Wear loose clothing Looser clothing can keep you feeling at ease and make it easier to ventilate your body when a hot flash starts. Use a vaginal moisturizer for general dryness If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, consider purchasing a moisturizer made specifically for the vagina. They can be used throughout the day to help ease itching and irritation. Use a vaginal lubricant for sexual activity Vaginal lubricants add wetness to the vagina, which can help prevent discomfort during penetration. Quit smoking Smoking cigarettes may have an effect on your fluctuating hormone levels. This can ultimately increase your number of hot flashes. Dietary supplements Some nutrients are crucial for symptom management. If you’re not getting enough of these nutrients in your diet, supplements may be an option. Supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so use caution. Only purchase from buyers you trust. Also talk to a healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your routine. B vitaminsB vitamins regulate energy and help your body produce new cells. These vitamins, especially folic acid, may help reduce the length and severity of hot flashes. Just 1 milligram (mg) of folic acid per day can be effective. Vitamin EVitamin E helps your body neutralize oxidative stress. Vitamin E in a dose of up to 360 mg per day may improve hot flashes by up to 40 percent. Vitamin DVitamin D maintains your bone structure, helps you absorb calcium, and may improve hormone regulation and vaginal dryness. Take 10 to 20 micrograms of vitamin D per day to lower your osteoporosis risk and improve your mood. Omega-3sOmega-3 fatty acids may help lubricate your body, helping with vaginal dryness. When taken in addition to SSRIs, omega-3 supplements may also improve depression. Herbal supplements Some herbal supplements claim to help manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It’s important to remember that the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. Research on use is often shaky at best.
You should always talk to a healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your routine. Dosing guidelines vary widely. Some products may also interact with over-the-counter and prescription medication. Black cohoshBlack cohosh is a flowering plant that may work to balance hormones. Taking one 40-mg dose per day may help decrease hot flashes. St. John’s wortSt. John’s wort is a yellow flowering plant that may improve your sleep quality during and after menopause. Older research suggests that taking 900 mg per day may be effective. Dong quaiDong quai is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Dong quai may act like estrogen in your body, balancing your hormones during menopause. Chaste treeChaste tree is a shrub that produces berries used in herbal preparations. Chaste tree berry may have hormone-balancing effects. Researchers are still unsure how it can impact menopause symptoms, though. MacaPrepared from the maca plant, this herb may help balance hormone levels and improve sexual function. Red cloverRed clover contains isoflavones. These can act like estrogen in your body. Some research suggests that taking 82 mg per day may help relieve hot flashes. SageSome research suggests that taking a daily tablet of fresh sage can help minimize hot flashes and improve other menopause symptoms. Milk thistleMilk thistle contains isoflavones. They may also help balance your hormones. Milk thistle may also help prevent osteoporosis. Valerian root and hopsValerian root and hops are both herbal sleep aids. Valerian root, in particular, is widely regarded as an effective treatment for insomnia. At least one study showed valerian root and hops to be better than placebo at reducing sleep disturbances and other menopause symptoms when taken together. Evening primrose oilEvening primrose oil is high in fatty acids that may help keep your body lubricated. However, more research is needed to understand how it may or may not be of use. GinsengGinseng may help boost your mood. However, it’s unlikely to have an effect on other symptoms. LicoriceLicorice may help keep your adrenal system from becoming fatigued. Some research also suggests that licorice supplementation can decrease hot flashes and night sweats. Other alternative therapies Some people turn to alternative therapies to help with symptom management. These therapies have both been found to have some degree of success in treating menopause symptoms. AcupunctureAcupuncture is performed by a certified specialist who inserts tiny needles into pressure points on your body. Acupuncture has been found to decrease the intensity and frequency of hot flashes in people experiencing menopause. Tai chiTai chi is an exercise that’s part meditation and part slow, dancelike motion. Tai chi may help reduce night sweats and hot flashes when practiced for at least one hour, twice per week. Medication HRT isn’t your only option for clinical treatment. These medications may also help improve your symptoms. Antidepressants (SSRI and SNRI)Certain antidepressant medications are prescribed to treat hot flashes and other symptoms. ClonidineClonidine (Catapres) is a blood pressure medication. It causes your blood vessels to dilate. This may reduce hot flashes and night sweats. GabapentinGabapentin (Neurontin) is a drug often prescribed for pain relief and seizures. It may also help reduce hot flashes. What about bioidentical hormones? Bioidentical hormones are made in a lab from chemicals found in plants. They’re said to be more similar to hormones your body naturally produces than those used in HRT. Researchers are still working to figure out if bioidentical hormones are a safe and effective way to treat menopause symptoms. These supplements haven’t been rigorously tested on humans, so they could pose long-term health risks we don’t know about yet. As of now, there’s no evidence to suggest these are safer or more effective than traditional HRT. If you’re interested in bioidentical hormones, talk to a doctor. They can discuss your options and may be able to prescribe an appropriate pill, patch, or cream. Talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider If you’re considering any of the above therapies, work with a doctor or other healthcare provider to make a treatment plan. They can help you assess your individual benefit and risk level as well as advise you on dosage. 💬 Further inforamtion: #alternatives_to_hrt #Healthline https://twitter.com/healthline Cre: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/alternatives-to-hrt
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Menopause Hair Loss Prevention7/11/2021 Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience at some point in their lives. During this time, the body goes through numerous physical changes as it adjusts to fluctuating hormone levels. Many women have unpleasant symptoms during menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. Hair loss is another common occurrence.
Hair loss tends to be subtler in women than it is in men. Most women experience overall hair thinning rather than noticeable bald spots. The thinning can occur on the front, sides, or top of the head. Hair may also fall out in large clumps during brushing and showering. Research suggests that hair loss during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance. Specifically, it’s related to a lowered production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help hair grow faster and stay on the head for longer periods of time. When the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, hair grows more slowly and becomes much thinner. A decrease in these hormones also triggers an increase in the production of androgens, or a group of male hormones. Androgens shrink hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the head. In some cases, however, these hormones can cause more hair to grow on the face. This is why some menopausal women develop facial “peach fuzz” and small sprouts of hair on the chin. For women going through menopause, the cause of hair loss is almost always related to hormonal changes. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to hair loss during menopause. These include extremely high levels of stress, illness, or a lack of certain nutrients. Diagnostic blood tests that can help rule out other causes of hair loss include thyroid tests, and/or a complete blood count. Hair loss may make you feel self-conscious about your physical appearance, but the condition isn’t permanent. There are also steps you can take to treat hair loss and improve the quality of your hair. Follow these tips to keep your locks healthy and strong during menopause. 1. Reduce Stress It’s important to keep your stress levels in check to prevent a hormonal imbalance. Reduced estrogen production can affect your brain chemistry and cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression. However, doing yoga and other breathing relaxation methods are especially effective in fighting menopausal symptoms. Exercising regularly can also help reduce stress. 2. Get Moving Exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. You’ll feel stronger and happier once you incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It also helps prevent some of the other symptoms of menopause, including mood swings, weight gain, and insomnia. All of these factors are important for maintaining hormonal balance, which promotes healthy hair growth. Choose a form of exercise that works for you. You may want to consider taking a walk with a friend, joining a gym, or going for a run. Show more 3. Eat Well Eating a balanced, low-fat diet is your best defense against hair loss. Make sure you include an adequate amount of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in every meal. It’s also important to incorporate mono-saturated oils, such as olive oil and sesame oil, into your diet. Drinking green tea and taking vitamin B6 and folic acid supplements may help restore hair growth as well. Essential fatty acids also play a crucial role in maintaining hair health. These fatty acids can be found in the following foods:
Your body needs to be hydrated in order to function properly. Load up on H2O all day long and pass on juices, sodas, and other flavored drinks that contain more sugar than your body needs. The amount of water needed varies from person to person and depends on various factors, including overall health and exercise intensity. As a general rule, however, you should aim to have eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. 5. Keep It Natural In order to prevent drying and breakage, it’s best to stay away from heat tools, such as hair dryers and straightening irons. Extensions and other styling methods can also weaken your hair and cause early hair loss. If you must dye your hair, choose an all-natural hair color. Artificial chemicals found in dyes and perms can compromise your scalp and hair health. When you wash your hair, always use a nourishing conditioner to keep your scalp healthy and promote healthy hair growth. If you swim, make sure to wear a swimming cap, as chlorine can contribute to hair breakage. When out in the sun or the wind for extended periods of time, it’s important to wear a hat to protect your hair from drying and breakage. 6. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Medications Some medications have side effects that include hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing significant hair loss and you think that your medication might be the cause. Your doctor might be able to switch you over to another type of medicine without any reported side effects. Don’t stop taking your medications until you’ve spoken with your doctor, as this could be dangerous for your health. 💬 Further inforamtion: #hairloss_menopause #Healthline https://www.facebook.com/healthline/ Cre: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hair-loss |