According to the Ministry of Health, menopause is the period when menstrual cycles stop and levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, early menopause, also known as FOP (premature ovarian failure), occurs when the ovaries stop working before the age of 40.

Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to an increase in early menopause – Credit: Pexels/Disclosure/ND

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early menopause affects 1 in 100 women, and 1 in 1,000 women under the age of 30.

“However, the number of women going through early menopause has risen due to a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors,” says Carlos Moraes, a gynecologist and obstetrician who specializes in perinatology and infertility.

4.8% of Brazilian women enter menopause before the age of 40.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health conducted a study that showed that about 4.8% of Brazilian women enter menopause before the age of 40. A more recent study published in 2020 in the Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics analyzed the frequency of early menopause and found that 5.6% of women had already entered this phase before age 40.

“When the ovaries show early signs of aging and interruption of their functions, the condition requires medical supervision, as these organs are not only responsible for the reproductive system, but also for the endocrine system, resulting in other changes that need to be evaluated,” adds Claudia Chang, doctoral candidate in endocrinology and metabolism at USP.

4.8% of Brazilian women go through menopause before age 40 — Credit: Pexels/Disclosure/ND

To stay up to date with the facts about early menopause, check out the main myths and truths:

1. Early menopause has no exact causes.

Myth! While early menopause can occur naturally, many factors can contribute to this condition, such as genetics, heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, viral infections, thyroid disease, ovary removal, autoimmune diseases, and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. which can affect the functioning of the ovaries.

2. Smoking can speed up menopause

True! A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the US showed that smokers can go through menopause one or even two years earlier than expected if consumption is excessive.

In addition, smoking exacerbates menopausal symptoms. Smokers have more hot flashes and more sleep problems, according to the study. In addition, the risk of fractures is 35% higher in smokers, and even those who have already quit have a 15% higher risk compared to women who have never smoked.

3. Every woman can cure early menopause with hormone replacement therapy.

Myth! Despite their younger age, hormone replacement therapy may be indicated for women with early menopause, given that the process occurred early. However, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be contraindicated.

“Women with diseases of the breast, ovaries, uterus, melanoma, thrombophilia (changes that predispose to thrombosis), hypertension, diabetes, or any kidney or liver disease should not be treated with hormone replacement therapy. In these cases, other approaches will need to be chosen to control symptoms and reduce the risks associated with early menopause,” concludes Carlos Moraes.

4. Physical activity can affect early menopause

From point of view! Several studies show that regular physical activity may have a protective effect against early menopause. A study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that women who were more physically active were less likely to experience early menopause, possibly because exercise helps stabilize hormone levels.

According to Claudia Chang, practicing regular physical activity also helps prevent obesity, which is harmful to reproductive health, since excess body fat can cause hormonal imbalances and, as a result, lead to early menopause. However, strenuous physical activity can impair ovarian function and reproductive health. Athletes, for example, may experience menstrual irregularities and even the cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea), which increases the risk of early menopause.

“It is important to remember that physical activity alone is not enough to prevent early menopause. While exercise can play an important role, it must be linked to other conditions such as healthy eating, quality sleep, stress management, and regular doctor visits and checkups,” emphasizes Carlos Moraes.

5. Chronic stress can trigger early menopause.

True! Chronic exposure to stress can lead to increased production of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can damage ovarian function through oxidative processes. This can cause imbalances in other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can affect the regularity of your periods and reduce fertility. These hormonal changes increase the likelihood of early menopause.

6. Early menopause has the same symptoms as natural menopause.

From point of view! Both early and natural menopause have symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, mood swings, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating and memory, slow metabolism, weight gain, hair loss, loss of skin elasticity, in addition to muscle and joint pain.

According to Claudia Chang, in addition to the common symptoms of menopause, women going through early menopause may face other difficulties.

“In this condition, hypoestrogenism occurs, a much more intense drop in estrogens than with natural menopause, a fourfold increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, a sevenfold increase in the risk of osteoporosis (due to bone loss), not developed over the years). There is also a higher chance of having some type of cancer, especially ovarian cancer,” explains the endocrinologist.

7. Birth Control Can Cause Early Menopause

Myth! “Contraceptives rarely cause early menopause. Against. Some studies show that long-term use of the pill can delay menopause, but more research is needed to confirm this relationship,” explains Carlos Moraes.