Peri-menopause is the natural start of the process which leads to the end of fertility for a woman and the onset of menopause-induced problems. Premature menopause symptoms, on the other hand, arise when the symptoms of peri-menopause appear too soon – often as early as your 30s, or in rare cases, even earlier.
WebMD can tell us that the main symptoms of this premature onset can include unusually irregular or missed periods, as well as sudden hot flashes and periods that are either heavier or lighter than usual. Although this isn’t a clear indication, going to the doctor and taking a few tests can further enlighten you regarding the nature of your problem.
Although the following aren’t necessarily present in the case of every woman going through early menopause-induced discomfort, they can give you some idea as to whether or not you might be at risk of becoming one of these women:
- The vagina may become thinner, less flexible and significantly more dry.
- Emotional changes could also ensue, including depression, irritability and mood swings.
- Sleeplessness and decreased sex drive is also a possibility.
- You may go through bladder irritability and even incontinence.
Now, the menopause age when you’d normally be experiencing some of these issues is around 45-50. According to insight from the Cleveland Clinic, this means that, if you have any of these symptoms earlier – most especially before the age of 40 – then you’re definitely dealing with an early onset of peri-menopause.
There are many possible causes of why this might happen. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or an autoimmune disorder like Graves’ disease could be the main culprit. Also, it is entirely possible that heredity might be the cause.
A simple physical, a blood test and a specific test to determine estradiol levels – a form of estrogen – in your body should be enough to come up with a diagnosis. Once your doctor knows whether or not you are actually going through early menopause-induced difficulties, he/she can recommend better treatments.