When menopause starts below the age of 45, it’s known as early menopause. Statistics imply that around 5% of women naturally undergo early menopause. Women may experience early menopause due to various reasons. Smokers will likely begin their menopause earlier than non-smokers. Surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, plus specific health conditions, can also lead to early menopause.
Women with early menopause have lower estrogen levels, increasing long-term health threats of heart disease and osteoporosis. Since early menopause is uncommon in younger women, it’s easy to miss their symptoms or see them as a sign of a different condition. Discussed below are four signs of early menopause.
1.Hot flashes
Hot flashes are a common early menopause symptom that comes suddenly. They lead to intense sweat and heat in the neck, chest, and face and may cause the skin to turn red. In addition, hot flushes can result in a fast heartbeat and chills. The condition can range from mild, moderate, or severe. A hot flash is linked to fluctuating hormones that can occur before menopause. Smoking and obesity are some of this symptom’s risk factors.
Mood changes and anxiety can also trigger hot flashes. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, such as practicing mindfulness and maintaining a healthy weight, can help keep hot flashes at bay. Treatments like hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) can help treat menopause.
2.Low sex drive
Although sex drive reduces gradually as people age, the symptom begins early in those experiencing early menopause. When transitioning to menopause, the physical consequences of reducing estrogen levels, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats, can weaken sexual drive. Medical treatments like bremelanotide and flibanserin can help you control the factors that lead to low libido. Counseling and lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and more can also help.
3.Night sweats
Night sweats usually occur when blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow, after which they contract again. This results in sweat, the skin turning red, and even your heartbeat accelerating. Hormonal changes can trigger night sweats and can last throughout menopause. Considering how frustrating night sweats can be, minimizing them can help boost comfort and good quality sleep. You can:
- Workout: Exercising can help the body regulate its temperature more successfully while keeping you healthy for the menopause transition
- Quit drinking: Alcoholic drinks are vasodilators, meaning when you take them, they pre-widen your blood vessels, priming them for night sweats. Quitting alcohol is an excellent way to stop the night sweats you experience
- Avoid specific foods: Although food doesn’t necessarily lead to night sweats, consuming the wrong foods and drinks before bedtime can make the effects even worse. So avoid spicy and highly refined foods. Don’t eat hydrogenated fats, sugars, or caffeine before bedtime
4.Sleep problems
Early menopause signs like hot flashes and depression can significantly contribute to sleep. This lack of enough sleep can make you depressed and irritable. It can even increase the risk of accidents and falls. To ensure good sleep when transitioning to menopause, consider:
- Adhering to a regular sleep routine
- Not napping for long or late into the evening/ afternoon
- Exercising regularly
- Not eating too close to bedtime
- Staying away from caffeine
- Avoiding alcohol
Endnote
Early menopause may not be easy to detect. However, understanding these signs can help you determine if you’re undergoing early menopause.
