Menstrual Irregularity: Causes of Early Menopause

Early menopause can occur at different ages and due to many reasons.
The causes are discussed below:-

Autoimmune Disorder: This occurs when a woman’s immune system attacks itself by mistake. Due to which the body reacts in such a way that antibodies attack the reproductive system and destroys the ovarian function resulting in premature menopause.

Chromosomal Irregularity: This occurs due to three main reasons.
(i) All women have 2 X chromosomes out of which 1 is always active but if there is a defect in either one, it would lead to lesser amount of eggs and that would result in premature or early menopause.
(ii) Turner Syndrome: In this syndrome the girl is born without the 2nd chromosome which leads to defective ovary development.
(iii) If a woman has 3 X chromosomes instead of 2, it interferes with the proper development of the ovaries leading to premature menopause.

Oophorectomy and Total Hysterectomy: Another cause can be due to surgery. If the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes are removed, it can lead to hormonal imbalance resulting in early menopause.

Ovarian Damage Due to Other Surgical Procedures: If due to any reason after a surgery one or both the ovaries fail, early menopause can occur.

Radiation Therapy and/or Chemotherapy: When radiation is used to kill cancer, it can also damage the ovaries consequence of which is premature menopause.

Tamoxifen: Early menopause occurs due to the chemical interference with the body. It is one of the side effects of taking Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is given if the woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Family History: If there is a family history of premature menopause then the woman has higher are chances getting it too.

Viral Infections: If a pregnant woman has viral infection, there is a possibility that the girl child might have premature menopause since viral infections can hamper the development of the ovaries.

Thyroid Disease: Since thyroid deals with imbalance of hormones, it can affect in such a way that the woman might start getting symptoms of premature menopause. Luckily it can be treated, if determined during the early stages.

Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia is when there is more production of milk in the breast which also causes the ovaries to fail resulting in early menopause. This can be treated by using drugs prescribed by the doctor.

Pituitary and/or Hypothamic Disorders: If a woman has pituitary disorder such as hypothamlic or pituitary failure or pituitary tumors, resulting in low estrogen level they are susceptible to premature menopause.

Cushing's disease: When the adrenal glands are over active it can give rise to premature menopause.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Premature menopause can occur due to PCOS where there is an imbalance in the hormones, which causes skipped periods, excessive hair growth etc. are few of the symptoms.

Other causes can be increase in weight gain or weight loss; having psychiatric drugs or narcotics, too much of exercise, at times even using birth control pills can create temporary.