Posted: December 30, 2015 Contributor: PRJKT RUBY
Why You Might Experience Early Menopause
The idea of hitting menopause in your 30s and 40s probably isn’t all that appealing, but knowing your likelihood of going through early menopause can help lessen the shock. There are several risk factors that will make early menopause more likely. If you have any of the following, you may want to discuss your options with your doctor:
- You have an autoimmune disorder
If you have an autoimmune disorder like thyroiditis, for example, it is possible that your immune system may turn and attack follicles in your ovaries as a result of their dysfunction. When this happens, the ability for the follicle to function is lessened. - You are a smoker
It’s no secret that smoking is not kind to your body, but did you know it can actually make you go through menopause faster? Not only the chemicals in cigarettes but other toxins like pesticides can make a woman run out of follicles before the typical age of menopause (somewhere in your 50s). - Your mom went through menopause early
Researchers have found that there tends to be a genetic component when it comes to the age menopause begins. If your mother experienced menopause in her 30s or 40s, you are more likely to as well. - You have a genetic disorder
The genetic condition known as Fragile X syndrome is caused by the FMR1 gene. Among other things, it’s known to cause problems in the ovaries which may result in early onset menopause. - You’ve undergone chemo or radiation therapy
If you have undergone cancer treatments, these can often cause damage to the genetic material located in the ovarian cells. This can make you stop ovulating and lead to menopause. It’s important to note , however, that not all women who undergo chemo or radiation will develop this, it just increases the odds.