What causes menopause in your 20's?

Premature menopause, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency or primary ovarian failure, refers to menopause that occurs before the age of 40. Some key causes include:
Genetic factors
- Family history of early menopause
- Chromosomal abnormalities like Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases that can damage ovaries

Medical interventions
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery that can damage ovaries
- Oophorectomy (surgical removal of ovaries)

Autoimmune disorders
- When the immune system attacks ovaries, leading to low estrogen

Infections
- Viral infections like mumps that can damage ovaries

Toxic damage to ovaries
- From smoking, alcohol use, environmental toxins

Unknown causes
- Idiopathic premature ovarian failure (no identifiable cause)

Symptoms

Women with premature menopause typically experience common menopausal symptoms earlier, like:

• Irregular/absent periods


• Hot flashes


• Vaginal dryness


• Mood changes


• Difficulty sleeping

But they also face some unique challenges:

• Infertility at early age


• Higher long-term health risks


• Psychological impact of early menopause

Diagnosis

• Physical exam


• Blood tests to measure:
  
  
  
  
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  
  
  • Estradiol
  
  
  • Anti-ovarian antibodies
  
  


• Chromosomal analysis


• Ovarian biopsy if needed

Treatment

The goals are to:

1. Treat underlying causes if possible


2. Relieve symptoms


3. Possibly regain some ovarian function

• Hormone therapy with estrogen/progesterone to relieve symptoms


• Treatment of any autoimmune disorders


• Fertility preservation options

Long term health risks

Women with premature menopause face higher risks of:

• Osteoporosis at earlier age


• Cardiovascular disease


• Cognitive changes


• Sexual health challenges

So continued follow-up care is crucial.

---

At Balance Hormone Clinic, we specialize in treating women with premature ovarian failure (POF) and early menopause. Our comprehensive care includes:

• Thorough evaluation and testing to determine the cause


• Customized hormone therapy to relieve symptoms


• Latest treatment options to possibly regain ovarian function


• Counseling for sexual health and emotional support


• Guidance on fertility preservation options


• Monitoring and early prevention of long-term health risks


• Ongoing care and follow-up

We strive to help women navigate premature menopause and improve quality of life through every stage. Our team includes highly trained endocrinologists, gynecologists, nutritionists, counselors and specialized nurses.

Contact us today for a consultation. Reclaim your health and thriving life despite early menopause. We are here to support you each step of the way.