In most cases, the average age for the onset of menopause is 51 but there are exceptions where women start to experience menopause earlier in life. Some women go through the transition before the age of 40 due to genetics, medical procedures, or an illness. This is commonly referred to as early menopause, or premature menopause. While there are various known causes, it may also happen on its own where the cause is unknown.
Is Your Menopause Age Already Determined?
Often, the cause for early menopause is likely due to genetics and discovering the age your mother started can provide some insight as to when you might start. If your mother experienced premature menopause, you are 6 times more likely to do the same. Ordinarily, this is the case when no definite reason can be diagnosed for menopause happening earlier.
The age at which you experience menopause is influenced by many factors. Lifestyle factors that you can control like smoking contribute to the onset of early menopause. Many studies reveal that regular smokers are prone to experiencing menopause 1 to 2 years sooner than women who are non-smokers.
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiation may increase your odds for early menopause as the ovaries could be damaged from those treatments. Additionally, surgeries where both ovaries are removed directly causes menopause to start since periods halt and hormones decrease rapidly.
How To Diagnose Early Menopause?
Signs of menopause like hot flashes, sleep problems, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness are inadequate when trying to determine if you are experiencing menopause. Blood tests where estrogen and other hormones are measured will make it conclusive whether or not you have started menopause. To feel your best, Dr. Mac or Kristi will implement a menopause treatment in Indianapolis that focuses on eliminating your symptoms!