by Melissa Langone

Created on: April 26, 2008   Last Updated: August 08, 2008

When a woman experiences changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or periods that alternate between being heavy and light, it is a sign that she might be going through the beginning stages of menopause. Menopause is a time during a woman's life when the menstrual cycle stops, and is associated with failure of the ovaries. These changes typically occur between the ages of 49 and 55, but in some women they occur earlier in life. Early, or premature, menopause occurs before the age of 40.

Other than changes in the menstrual cycle, hot flashes are another common sign of premature menopause. Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, and changes in sex drive may also be experienced. When menopause is diagnosed, psychological symptoms may appear due to fears associated with growing older and concern over infertility. Due to changes in hormones and personal concerns about bodily changes, depression may occur. The following diagnostic tests are common for someone experiencing the symptoms listed above:
Pregnancy test
Thyroid hormone levels
Estradiol levels
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) bone density test

There can be a genetic predisposition for the development of premature menopause. If a woman's mother or grandmother experienced this condition, there is a possibility that she will experience it as well. Surgically induced premature menopause will occur if a woman has a hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries before the age of 40. Chemically induced premature menopause can occur from the use of chemotherapy or the drug Tamoxifen. This medication is used in the treatment of breast cancer or may be provided to individuals who have a high risk for the development of breast cancer. Tamoxifen blocks the action of estrogen in the body. Premature menopause can also be caused by severe illnesses or eating disorders.

When premature menopause is chemically induced, stopping the medication may reverse the condition. An individual with an eating disorder or severe illness that recovers may have a return of their menstrual function. However, genetic or surgically induced menopause cannot be reversed. Estrogen replacement therapy may be used to control the symptoms of menopause, however it cannot be used in women who have a history of breast cancer and may increase the risk for colon cancer. When estrogen replacement therapy is combined with progesterone, it may increase the risk for heart disease.

The most common symptom that women seek treatment for is hot flashes. Avoiding tyramine, found in aged, smoked, pickled, or fermented meats; cheeses; chocolate; and alcohol can be helpful. Tyramine increases the release of a hormone that resets the body's thermostat and can trigger a hot flash. Plant estrogens, found in soy, have been effective for some, but should be avoided by those with breast cancer. For the loss of bone density that is commonly seen in menopause, regular weight bearing exercise, consuming between 1200-1500 mg of calcium per day, and 400 IU of vitamin D will help prevent bone loss.

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