Premature Menopause (Medical Procedural Causes) (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What are the symptoms of premature menopause?

Comment on this

The symptoms of premature menopause are those of typical menopause. They can include:

  • mood swings,
  • vaginal dryness,
  • cognitive changes,
  • hot flashes,
  • decrease in sex drive, and
  • sleep disturbances.

Irregular periods usually precede the menopause and can begin years before periods actually cease.

What tests are used to diagnose premature menopause?

No special tests are needed to determine the absence of menstrual periods, but sometimes women having symptoms of menopause and irregular periods may be tested to determine their ovarian function. For example, tests may be done to rule out pregnancy or other causes of missed menstruation, like certain thyroid diseases. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is often measured in the blood to determine whether a woman is nearing menopause and how well her ovaries are working. FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen, so levels of this hormone rise when estrogen levels drop. FSH levels that are higher than 40 mIU/ml are considered characteristic of menopause. Levels of ovarian hormones such as estradiol may be also measured, as low levels (levels less than 32 pg/ml) are suggestive of menopause.

Is there any treatment for premature menopause?

Comment on this

There is no treatment that can reverse or prevent premature menopause. However, women who have reached menopause do have treatment options that can help control unpleasant symptoms.

Types of treatments for symptom relief include:

  • Hormone therapy: hormone therapy (HT, estrogen therapy, ET) is available in different forms including pills, patches, transdermal sprays, or gels or creams. Localized hormone treatments are also available for intravaginal use. HT/ET is the most effective way to control symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Because HT/ET has been associated with certain health risks (heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer), experts recommend using the lowest effective dose of hormone therapy for the shortest time possible.
  • Oral contraceptive pills are a form of HT that is sometimes used to help relieve menopausal symptoms.
  • Antidepressant medications: The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related medications have been shown to be effective in controlling the symptoms of hot flashes in up to 60% of women.
  • Non-hormonal vaginal gels, creams, and lubricants can help prevent the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
  • Assisted reproductive technologies like pregnancy using donor eggs may be considered for women with premature menopause who desire to become pregnant.
Reviewed by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD on 3/26/2013

Patient Comments

Viewers share their comments

Premature Menopause - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with premature menopause.
Premature Menopause - Symptoms Question: What were the symptoms of your premature menopause?
Pancreas Divisum - Causes Question: What caused your premature menopause?
Premature Menopause - Treatment Question: What was the treatment for your premature menopause?

Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!