Can you go through menopause at 36? - Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic

Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. So yes, it is possible for some women to go through menopause as early as 36 years old. Causes There are several potential causes of early menopause:

• Genetic factors: POI can run in families, indicating there may be genetic mutations or variants that predispose some women
• Autoimmune disorders: Diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, like thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with POI
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: Cancer treatments that damage the ovaries can trigger early menopause
• Surgical removal of the ovaries: Surgery like oophorectomy (ovary removal) causes immediate menopause
• Unknown (idiopathic): For many women with POI, the exact cause remains unclear

Symptoms The symptoms of premature menopause are often similar to natural menopause but tend to be more sudden and severe when onset is early. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or missed menstrual periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and pain with sex
• Mood changes, like depression or anxiety
• Difficulty conceiving a pregnancy (infertility)
• Osteoporosis at an early age

Diagnosis To diagnose POI, doctors typically:

• Do a physical exam
• Discuss symptoms and health history
• Run blood tests to measure hormone levels:
  • Low estrogen and AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone)
  • High FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
• Assess fertility with tests like ovulation tracking with ultrasound
• Evaluate the ovaries, uterus and other pelvic structures with imaging

Treatment Treatment options for premature menopause include:

• Hormone therapy:
  • Estrogen with or without progesterone to relieve hot flashes, vaginal symptoms, osteoporosis
  • Often needed until the typical age of menopause in the 50s
• Fertility treatment:
  • Egg or embryo freezing before loss of fertility
  • Donor eggs or embryos
  • Other assisted reproductive technologies
• Supportive care:
  • For mood issues, sexual health counseling, bone health
• Treatment of any underlying medical conditions

The duration of treatment depends on each woman's symptoms and fertility wishes. Close medical follow up is key, especially when starting hormone therapy before age 40. Support groups and counseling can also help women cope with the life changes that come with early menopause. If you or someone you know is showing signs of POI before age 40, schedule an evaluation with a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist. Specialists at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic offer individualized care plans to help patients navigate early menopause or low ovarian reserve. With personalized counseling, advanced hormone balancing, and innovative fertility options, Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic supports women through this challenging transition.