Premature menopause

Menopause that happens before age 40 caused by chemotherapy or surgical removal of the ovaries.

Description

Menopause that happens before age 40 caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries or failure of the ovaries to make enough of the hormone estrogen.

Overview

In premature menopause, the ovaries either have been removed or damaged. Sometimes the ovaries don't produce the usual amount of the hormone estrogen. This is called primary ovarian insufficiency.

Symptoms

Treatment includes hormone therapy at least until the usual age of menopause. Medicine to prevent or treat the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis also might be prescribed.

Treatments

Treatment includes hormone therapy and supplements to help prevent osteoporosis.