10 SIGNS YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING EARLY MENOPAUSE
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health, about 1% of women undergo premature (before age 40) menopause, and 5% go through early (age 40 to 45) menopause. However, these figures may be low, as a Mayo Clinic study determined that 3.1% of the women studied experienced premature menopause, while 6.2% experienced early menopause. Most women enter the first stage of menopause—perimenopause—in their mid to late 40s, while the average age of entering menopause is 51. However, hormone deficiencies that contribute to perimenopause can emerge up to 10 years before the transition into menopause.
Whatever the actual percentage of women who experience early menopause, these figures are alarming as premature and early menopause put women at “an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.” The condition, which can be caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, and medical treatments like chemotherapy and hysterectomy, puts women at an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Given these risks, Internal medicine specialist Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O. advises women who start experiencing early menopause symptoms in the Naples, Florida, area to consult with a doctor. As one who has personally experienced early menopause, Dr. B believes it is imperative to seek medical help as soon as possible to mitigate the potential health risks. She and her partner physician, Dr. Michael Hellman, D.O., take a holistic approach to addressing menopause issues and can help Naples-area women experiencing premature or early menopause safely manage symptoms and reduce associated health risks.
If you or someone you know is under the age of 45 and experiencing any of the following 10 menopausal signs and symptoms, consult with Dr. B’s clinic for compassionate, holistic treatment to manage the symptoms and preserve overall health:
1. CHANGES IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Women in their early 40s or younger who miss two or three consecutive menstrual periods absent pregnancy might be experiencing premature or early menopause. Other menstrual irregularities, such as significant changes to menstrual cycles or flows, can also be a sign of early menopause.
2. DIFFICULTY CONCEIVING
The irregular patterns of ovulation that come with early menopause will make it difficult to conceive a child. Even if you haven’t noticed menstrual cycle irregularities, early menopause can affect fertility. If you’re trying to conceive without success, you should always consult with a physician to help determine the cause.
3. VAGINAL DRYNESS
The onset of menopause leads to a reduction of the body’s estrogen levels, which can cause vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. If you start finding sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful, it could be a sign of decreased estrogen levels and early menopause.
4. DECREASE IN LIBIDO
The reduction in estrogen levels can also cause a noticeable drop in your sex drive and arousal. An occasional temporary decline in sex drive and arousal in your late 30s or early 40s probably isn’t of concern, but you should probably seek professional medical help if it starts becoming chronic.
5. HOT FLASHES/NIGHT SWEATS
This common menopausal symptom is characterized by sudden feelings of warmth that spread through the body and often cause sweating and flushing of the face and upper body. Hot flashes that occur during the night with excessive sweating and disruptions to sleep are known as “night sweats.”
6. MOOD CHANGES
Swift mood swings and irritability, anxiety, or depression are oft-talked-about hallmarks of the menopausal experience. Caused by the hormonal changes that occur through the stages of menopause, they might be of concern if they are notable and you are under age 45.
7. MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION ISSUES
Those hormonal changes can also cause memory and concentration issues, in what menopausal women typically characterize as “brain fog.”
8. URINARY ISSUES
The reduced estrogen levels can weaken and disrupt the functioning of the bladder and urethra, which you will notice with a more frequent need to urinate and possible urinary incontinence.
9. CHANGES TO SKIN AND HAIR
As if the other menopausal changes aren’t burdensome enough, the hormonal shifts also affect skin and hair with noticeable drying, thinning, and texture changes.
10. FATIGUE AND LACK OF ENERGY
Menopausal change forces the body to work in ways it never has before, and this can be taxing. Periodic and chronic fatigue and a noticeable lack of energy are common in menopausal women, so if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor to help determine the cause.
HOW DR. B CAN ADDRESS YOUR MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS IN NAPLES
If one or more of these signs and symptoms have you concerned that you might be entering premature or early menopause, consult with Dr. B or Dr. Hellman at their Naples internal medicine practice. The Naples-based physicians rely on several distinct treatments and a holistic approach to address menopause symptoms and protect women’s health. In addition to patient-specific lifestyle changes, Drs. B and Hellman rely on hormone therapy to help manage menopause symptoms and reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. To directly restore healthy sexual functioning and restore declining sex drives, they offer diVa laser vaginal therapy and the O-Shot®. To learn more about these innovative treatments and holistic approaches to addressing premature or early menopause, schedule an appointment with Dr. B or Dr. Hellman by calling (239) 261-9990.