Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency or primary ovarian insufficiency, refers to menopause occurring before the age of 40. Several factors can trigger early menopause:
Genetics
- Family history of early menopause increases a woman's risk. Genetic conditions like Turner syndrome and fragile X syndrome are associated with early ovarian decline.
Autoimmune diseases
- Diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, Addison's disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus are linked to premature ovarian failure.
Cancer treatments
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, particularly pelvic radiation, can damage ovaries and trigger early menopause. This depends on the patient's age and treatment dose.
Surgery
- Surgical removal of ovaries (oophorectomy) induces surgical menopause if done before natural menopause. Hysterectomy with ovarian conservation may also cause ovarian failure.
Smoking
- Smoking has been associated with earlier onset of menopause by 1-4 years on average. Toxins in cigarette smoke can impair ovarian function.
Other factors
- Very strenuous athletic training, extreme weight loss, chronic malnutrition, autoimmune conditions, and some infections may contribute to primary ovarian insufficiency.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of early menopause include: