of age. Premature menopause may result from many medical reasons. When one has hysterectomy at the age of 40 or before with the surgical removal of ovaries, it leads to premature menopause. With surgical menopause, there will be a sudden drop in estrogen, progesterone and androgens. This leads to severe menopausal symptoms. These include the following:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Depression
- Vaginal Dryness
- Cardio Vascular Effects
- Osteoporosis
Most Women who experience surgical menopause require hormone therapy to manage their symptoms and protect them from increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Women who start on hormones can stay on them until the age of 50, when their natural menopause would start anyway. Even after starting natural menopause, women need androgen therapy if they are experiencing lack of energy, tiredness and loss of sexual desire.
So far there is no US approved testosterone for treating sexual disorders in women. Health care professionals prescribing these compounds “off label” is perfectly legal. Recently, herbal natural products and bioidentical hormones are becoming more famous. Use only with your health care providers advice, educate yourself before you start using these products.
Along with hormonal treatment, one should follow a healthy lifestyle. For instance:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
Lean protein (fish, chicken, soy…)
- Exercise regularly 60 minutes a day
- Learn to manage stress so it doesn’t manage you
- Quit smoking
If you want to learn more about premature menopause and available treatments call our Menstrual Disorder and Menopause Clinic at 219-836-0000 to make an appointment.
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