What is a premature menopause?

What is a premature menopause?

Premature menopause (ovarian failure) is defined as menopause before the age of forty years. FSH levels are high and oestrogen levels low as is typical of the menopause. It occurs in 1% of women. Premature menopause may affect women who have had chemotherapy for malignancy. About 10% of women will reach the menopause before 46 years. When the menopause occurs early, the protection from ovarian hormones is lost and this results in increased risk of early heart disease and osteoporosis. Women who have had a premature menopause are prone to early onset coronary heart disease. Hormone replacement therapy should always be carefully considered.

Occasionally, ovulation may occur leading to pregnancy and this is then called resistant ovary syndrome. Sadly, those diagnosied with premature menopause conceive naturally on rare occasions and they tend to be reported in the medical literature. Normal inhibin levels may possibly indicate a resistant ovary rather than premature menopause. For those who do not wish to conceive, contraception seems wise. For those who want to conceive, the most likely means of conception would IVF and donated eggs. Claims of other forms of infertility treatment have yet to be substantiated.

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