What is Premature Menopause?

At Ova Care, we understand that premature menopause can be a challenging and complex experience for many women. Unlike typical menopause, which occurs around age 51, premature menopause happens before age 40, affecting approximately 1% of women worldwide.

Defining the Terms

Premature menopause isn’t just an early biological transition—it’s a significant health event that can impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. Unlike primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), premature menopause means a complete cessation of ovarian function, permanently ending menstruation and fertility.

Key Causes of Premature Menopause

Multiple factors can trigger premature menopause, including:

• Chromosomal abnormalities like Fragile X or Turner’s syndrome
• Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease
• Medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
• Surgical procedures including hysterectomy
• Certain viral infections like mumps
• Chronic conditions like Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

Interestingly, up to 50% of cases have no identifiable cause, highlighting the complexity of this condition.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Women experiencing premature menopause might notice:

• Night sweats disrupting sleep patterns
• Vaginal dryness causing discomfort
• Increased urinary tract infections
• Persistent insomnia
• Emotional fluctuations and mood changes

Potential sexual dysfunction