help you find treatments that minimize the symptoms. If you have not gone 12 months without a period, you are not officially in menopause yet, and it may be possible to get pregnant.
Treatment for early or premature menopause will most likely include hormone replacement.
“No matter the underlying cause of early menopause, hormone therapy must be considered as a treatment option to prevent concerning long-term health outcomes,” Dr. Carol Kuhle, a family doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., writes in a clinic site. These long-term health risks include osteoporosis, heart disease, depression and various neurological diseases like dementia and cognitive decline.
Besides the physical effects of early or premature menopause, there are often emotional ones. If you still plan to have children, or your menopause is due to cancer treatment or other health problems, anxiety and depression can become a serious issue.
Early or premature menopause usually comes as a surprise and can be stressful to navigate. With knowledge of the reasons behind your condition, a treatment plan and proper support, you are better prepared to manage the changes that come with this diagnosis. It is important to establish a good team around you, such as healthcare givers, family and friends to support you as you go through this challenging time.