Premature Menopause, Symptoms And Diagnosis

How Is Premature Menopause Diagnosed?

First, your doctor will most likely perform a physical exam and draw blood to rule out other conditions, such as pregnancy and thyroid disease. He or she may also order a test to measure your estradiol levels. Low levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, can indicate that your ovaries are starting to fail. When estradiol levels are below 36, it may signal that you are in menopause.

However, the most important test used to diagnose premature menopause is a blood test that measures follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH causes your ovaries to produce estrogen. When your ovaries slow down their production of estrogen, your levels of FSH increase. When your FSH levels rise above 30 or 40 mIU/mL, it usually indicates that you are in menopause.

What Types of Health Issues Affect Women Undergoing Premature Menopause?

Like all menopausal women, women in premature menopause experience lowered estrogen levels as the ovaries stop most of their production of this hormone. Low levels of estrogen can lead to changes in a woman's overall health and may increase her risk for certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis. Other health risks associated with the loss of estrogen include increased risk for colon and ovarian cancer, periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss and cataract formation.

However, compared with women who go through natural menopause, women undergoing premature menopause spend a greater portion of their lives without the protective benefits of their own estrogen. This puts them at an even greater risk for the above mentioned menopause-related health problems.

How Is Premature Menopause Treated?

The symptoms and health risks of premature menopause as well as the emotional issues that may result from it can be managed with the methods similar to those used for natural menopause. Women dealing with infertility that is brought on by premature menopause may want to discuss their options with their doctor or with a reproductive specialist.

Can Premature Menopause Be Reversed?

No. Premature menopause is the result of an underlying process. Once the process has started, it's unlikely to be reversed.

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3 comments:

  TaurenChieftain

July 18, 2011 at 8:02 PM

The Symptoms of Menopause that go along with this process are physiological changes that happen to each woman in changeable degrees. Menopause and the symptoms of menopause are a natural part of the method of living.
Near the beginning signs of menopause are clues to the start of the symptoms of menopause in a relatively early time

  AveBarnett

July 20, 2011 at 6:35 PM

These are the few yet always asked questions when it comes to menopause. Thanks for sharing some great answers.
what age does menopause start

  Rosie Lyn

November 28, 2011 at 10:46 PM

When I found out that I have hypothyroidism, without a doubt I bought natural thyroid supplements. I relieved my fatigue and cold body temperature. For the first time in over a year I feel so good again.