Coping With Early Menopause

Early menopause, often referred to as premature menopause, can basically be described as menopause that comes well before the normal menopause period. It can come as early as the 20s, but more typically in the 30s and early 40s.

Naturally occurring early menopause; meaning if there hasn't been an incidence of surgery or chemotherapy or radiation treatment, is these days referred to as premature ovarian failure. Shutting down well before their time, a woman's ovaries basically aren't functioning as they should which is a devastating feeling for a woman suffering the onset of early menopause.

Symptoms of early menopause include hot flushes, irregular periods, unexplained mood swings, heavy bleeding and night sweats.

Recognizing the Onset of Menopause

As with all the physical developments in a human body, menopause too has a particular set time for setting in. Menopause usually starts around 45 to 50 years and hence the early menopause symptoms will be manifested around this age. Similar to the onset of puberty, the onset of menopause can be pretty confusing and distressing to those who are not prepared for it. Hence, the key to handling menopause is to know what it is about.

The Early Menopause Symptoms

Among the first signs is the irregularity of the menstrual circle. What was once coming once in a month will not manifest itself two and three times a month. In some cases it will altogether stop for 3-4 months and then start again like nothing happened. This occurs usually at 45-47 years of age, though it has been seen to happen as late as 50 years of age in some cases.

Understanding Depression

The early menopause or pre-menopause period is characterized by unpredictable and unexplained mood swings. Medically it is explained by the depletion of estrogen in the blood, since the ovaries are shutting down. This is why; it is recommended that women who have acute depression attacks take HRT or hormone replacement therapy to counteract it. However, it is important to take this medication only under medical supervision as hormones can play havoc with the body if the right balance is not achieved.

Taking Action with the Right Weapons

In order to find the best alternative for you, you need first to know what alternatives are available. You may visit the doctor, the library and of course the Internet for this purpose. There is plenty of documentation around to give you information on menopause. In order to adapt to this change, you have to be fully informed. Ensure that you know what to do, much before the time comes so you can identify the early menopause symptoms and stay in charge of your life.

There are a number of remedies to combat the onset of early menopause including hormone replacement therapy. Vitamins: there are a number of nutrients and herbs a woman can look at especially if they are not on HRT. Soy, flaxseed and red clover along with vitaman A or beta carotene, B group vitamins and vitamin E just to name a few. Check with your local physician who should be able to point you in the right direction.