Overview
Premature menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before age 40, leading to early loss of fertility and hormonal changes.
Symptoms
Irregular or absent periods Hot flashes and night sweats Vaginal dryness Mood changes and irritability Infertility
Causes
Genetic factors Autoimmune disorders Certain medical treatments (chemotherapy, surgery)
Diagnosis
Blood tests for hormone levels (FSH, estradiol) Medical and menstrual history Exclusion of other causes of amenorrhea
Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy Fertility treatments if pregnancy desired Lifestyle adjustments for bone and heart health