It happens much faster than natural menopause, and it often causes more severe symptoms.
Read on to find out more about the causes of medical menopause and the treatments available.
Causes of Medical Menopause
Several procedures and treatments can induce medical menopause.
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If you’re considering any of them, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider ahead of time.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by destroying fast-dividing cancer cells.
Your healthcare provider will periodically perform blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Medications that shut down the ovaries temporarily include Zoladex (goserelin) and Lupron (leuprolide).
Once the medicine is stopped, the ovaries usually begin functioning again.
The time it takes for the ovaries to recover can vary from person to person.
The younger you are, the more likely it is that your ovaries and estrogen levels will bounce back.
Symptoms also tend to be more intense than if menopause had been reached naturally.
Symptoms of medical menopause include:
Menopause also increases the risk of osteoporosis.
During menopause, the bone turnover and buildup cycle are impaired by lower estrogen levels.
The bone is broken down, but not as much building occurs.
This potentially leads to weaker bones and, for some people, osteoporosis.
Declining estrogen levels have also been associated with cardiovascular risk factor changes that increase the risk of heart disease.
Having your ovaries removed reduces hormone levels literally overnight.
For younger people, menopausal symptoms after this surgery can be particularly intense.
Managing Medical Menopause
There are a variety of treatments for menopause.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which of these would be most appropriate for you.
Emotionally, it can take getting used to, especially if it’s abrupt.
There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription treatments that can help with symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
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