Medicana International Ankara Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrem Alyazıcı Küçükyıldız reported that the risk of early menopause can be reduced with healthy living habits.
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrem Alyazıcı Küçükyıldız stated that early menopause occurs in approximately 1 percent of women, usually before the age of 40. Stating that this condition can seriously affect the quality of life and general health of women, Küçükyıldız emphasized that when symptoms are felt, a specialist should be consulted immediately and hormone levels should be checked regularly. Küçükyıldız explained the causes of early menopause.
“The average age of menopause in our country is 47”
Stating that natural menopause is defined as a woman's absence of menstruation for 12 months without any other obvious pathological or physiological cause and the continuation of this period permanently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Küçükyıldız said, “The decrease in estrogen hormone, which can be seen as an indicator of depletion of ovarian follicles, and the increase in follicle stimulating hormone levels can be detected as laboratory findings. While the average age of menopause in women living in developed countries varies between 50-52 years, the average age of menopause in our country is reported to be 47 years. Early menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation before the age of 40.”
“It shows the same symptoms as natural menopause”
Noting that the symptoms of early menopause are generally the same as natural menopause, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Küçükyıldız stated that hot flashes, night sweats, depression, vaginal dryness, mood changes, insomnia and loss of libido stand out among these symptoms.
“Your mother's menopause age is the most important determinant of your menopause age”
Stating that there are many factors that cause early menopause to occur, Küçükyıldız listed the reasons as follows:
“Genetic factors, the age of menopause in women largely depends on genetic factors. One of the main factors determining the age of menopause is the age of menopause of the person's mother. If the mother and sister have a history of early menopause, this can be considered an important risk factor. Chromosomal abnormalities, especially X chromosomal abnormalities (Turner syndrome, Down syndrome) may lead to decreased ovarian reserve and early deterioration of ovarian function. Autoimmunity, in autoimmune diseases, especially in women with trobit disease, defense cells can attack the body's own ovarian tissue by perceiving it as a foreign substance and can lead to premature depletion of the ovaries. Surgical menopause, although ovarian sparing approaches have been at the forefront in recent years in surgeries to be performed for the importance and healthier menopause process, sometimes ovarian removal may have to be applied to young women in cases such as cancer or endometriosis. Since surgical menopause causes a sudden decrease in hormones, menopause complaints can occur suddenly and much more severely in women. Smoking is recognized as a risk factor for infertility, decreased ovarian reserve and early menopause in women, as well as being an important risk factor for lung complaints. Weight, a type of the hormone estrogen is produced from fat tissue. In women with low weight, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to early menopause. Likewise, obesity can change the age of menopause by affecting estrogen levels. Nutritional habits, balanced sources of carbohydrates, fats and proteins that make up a healthy diet, and a normal body mass index (not being overweight or obese) not only positively affect the reproductive age, but also positively affect the menopausal period. Medications, some cancer treatments, especially chemotherapeutic drugs, can increase the risk of early menopause by having a negative effect on the ovaries.”
“You can reduce the risk of early menopause with a healthy lifestyle”
Underlining that there are some important points to be considered to reduce the risk of early menopause and to have a healthy menopause process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrem Alyazıcı Küçükyıldız continued as follows:
“Smoking has many negative effects on women's health and increases the risk of early menopause. It is important for women who smoke to get professional support for quitting. However, adequate protein, carbohydrate and fat intake, as well as a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, can help maintain hormone balance and prevent early menopause. Regular physical activity is important for hormone balance and general health. However, it is also important to avoid excessive exercise. Because this can disrupt hormonal balance. Finally, the stress factor, which has become the biggest problem of our age, can directly affect body hormones. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises make the menopause process more comfortable.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241101AW320289
