What Causes Early Onset Menopause?
The perception among many is that menopause doesn’t begin until women are in their late 40′s or early 50′s. Some women may actually begin experiencing menopause shortly after turning the age of 40. However, menopause for the most part is associated with older women. Early onset menopause though is being experienced by women now more than ever due to advancements in medical technology. The following are some of the most common causes of early onset menopause.
Autoimmune Disorders
One cause of early onset menopause is an autoimmune disorder. However, because of medical advancements, this isn’t considered to be one of the more likely causes anymore. As a matter of fact, medical technology is really reducing the damaging effects that autoimmune disorders can have on people, including early onset menopause.
When an autoimmune disorder leads to early onset menopause, it’s because the reproductive system is identified by the body as a enemy or disease for one reason or another. Antibodies are then sent to destroy the reproductive system. Menopause begins when eggs are no longer produced by the ovaries.
Cancer Treatments
Another cause for early onset menopause are cancer treatments. These include chemotherapy, radiation, and toxic drugs. Even though these treatments are needed to get rid of cancer, they don’t come without a price as they can do a lot of damage to other parts of the body. A number of women actually become infertile after they go through treatments.
A woman’s reproductive system can be fried by both chemotherapy and radiation. Estrogen production can also be halted by use of other treatments, especially those used for breast cancer, which also leads early onset menopause. While some women may begin experiencing their monthly period again, the majority will no longer be fertile.
Reproductive System Surgery
Women who undergo surgery on their reproductive system are at greater risk for early onset menopause. A complete hysterectomy obviously will lead to it, but you could still experience it even if you keep your ovaries. This is because an ovary can stop functioning properly even due to a small injury. Even when ovaries are kept intact, injury can easily occur during surgery. Tubal ligation is another surgery where this can happen.
While early onset menopause can be caused by additional reasons, the most prevalent and common ones.
Category: Early Menopause
