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.
Stress - Prolonged stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that may trigger early menopause
Autoimmune disease - Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can lead to the immune system mistakenly attacking ovarian tissue, resulting in diminished ovarian function
Hormones - Imbalances in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to early menopause
Environmental factors- Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, can negatively impact ovarian health and function
Genetics - A family history of early menopause can increase the likelihood of experiencing it yourself, indicating a genetic predisposition
Surgery - Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or certain cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) can induce menopause
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!