Early menopause, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. The causes can be unknown, genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy treatment, infections, surgery, or radiation therapy. Around 1% of women experience early menopause.
The hallmark signs of early menopause are:
Reversing early menopause is challenging but possible in some cases:
- With hormonal therapy - Estrogen and progesterone therapy may help restore hormonal balance and ovarian function. It can regulate cycles, manage symptoms, and improve bone and heart health. However, fertility may not be restored.
- With ovulation-stimulating medications - Drugs like clomiphene citrate and letrozole can aid ovulation in some women, enabling pregnancy in 30-50% cases.
- With IVF techniques - Procedures like egg retrieval and embryo freezing before POI onset can allow pregnancy when the woman is ready. Donor eggs may also help.
- With lifestyle changes and alternative medicine - Reducing stress, exercising, eating healthy, taking supplements, acupuncture, etc. may support ovarian function.
However, early menopause reversal and fertility restoration have variable success rates. Age, duration of POI, cause, timelines of treatment, and individual health play a key role.