Early menopause can lead to symptoms worse than expected. It is well-known that menopause causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms ranging from hot flashes to insomnia.
Furthermore, researchers have reported that for some women suffering from a condition known as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), the situation can be much worse. A new study examined the impact of premature ovarian insufficiency on women, wherein ovarian function ceases and leads to menopause before the age of forty. Researchers investigated the menopausal symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency and compared them with the severity and prevalence of similar symptoms in women experiencing natural menopause. The study included nearly 300 women.
According to the study, investigators found that women with premature ovarian insufficiency suffer from severe and significant effects of menopausal symptoms, especially psychological and sexual symptoms. This included mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and decreased libido. These symptoms are often more severe than those experienced by women undergoing natural menopause. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society, stated, “This study conducted on Chinese women showed that those with premature ovarian insufficiency had more prevalent and severe menopause-related symptoms than women experiencing natural menopause at average age.”
She added, “Therefore, it is important to note that regardless of symptom prevalence or severity, women with premature ovarian insufficiency should receive hormone therapy at least until the average age of menopause unless there are contraindications for its use, in order to mitigate the likelihood of long-term health risks such as fractures, heart disease, cognitive decline, and early death, in addition to mood disorders and sexual dysfunction.” Additionally, the study's authors noted that few studies have examined the impact of premature ovarian insufficiency on menopausal symptoms, and they suggested that healthcare providers should be more aware of the psychological complications and risks of sexual dysfunction in women with premature ovarian insufficiency and work with them to identify and implement possible relief options and medical interventions.
