What are the root causes of early menopause?

Early menopause – premature ovarian insufficiency or POI – defined as the cessation of menstrual periods before the age of 45, can be attributed to various causes.

  1. Stress - Prolonged stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that may trigger early menopause

  2. Autoimmune disease - Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can lead to the immune system mistakenly attacking ovarian tissue, resulting in diminished ovarian function

  3. Hormones - Imbalances in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to early menopause

  4. Environmental factors- Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, can negatively impact ovarian health and function

  5. Genetics - A family history of early menopause can increase the likelihood of experiencing it yourself, indicating a genetic predisposition

  6. Surgery - Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or certain cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) can induce menopause

  7. Lifestyle Factors - Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can adversely affect ovarian function and accelerate the onset of menopause

See my other posts on this topic for resolutions!