How to cope with early menopause: Tips for a positive transition

Menopause, a natural process in a woman’s life, usually occurs around the age of 51. However, early menopause, defined as the cessation of reproductive activity in women under the age of 40, affects between approximately 1 per cent and 4 per cent of the female population in Spain. It is estimated that around 5 per cent of women naturally experience early menopause between the ages of 40 and 45. These figures highlight the importance of understanding and addressing this phenomenon, which can have a profound impact on women’s lives.

In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms and strategies for managing this unexpected transition, offering guidance on how to navigate this stage in a positive and healthy way. Through education, medical and emotional support, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we as women can face early menopause with confidence and resilience.

What is early menopause?

Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure (POF), involves the cessation of menstruation at an earlier age than usual. According to the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF), approximately 1 in every 100 women under the age of 40 and 1 in every 1,000 before the age of 30 experience POF or early menopause. The causes can range from a family history of the condition to cancer treatments, surgery, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and/or excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Symptoms and diagnosis:

Identifying early menopause requires attention to:

Changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or the cessation of menstruation
Mood swings
Vaginal and skin dryness
Insomnia
Hot flushes and night sweats
Pain during sexual intercourse.

Regardless of these symptoms, it is best to confirm the diagnosis through gynaecological examinations and hormone tests with your trusted doctor or gynaecologist.

Tips for coping with early menopause

If you are experiencing early menopause, it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are ways to manage it. Here are some tips to help you understand and manage this process:

Education and awareness: seeking out reliable information about early menopause and its implications can help you navigate this transition with greater clarity.

Here’s an episode from our podcast that may be useful for understanding the physical and natural changes that occur during the menopause:

Consult a healthcare professional: if you suspect you are experiencing early menopause, it is essential to speak to your doctor. They can carry out any necessary tests, confirm the diagnosis and offer treatment options suitable for your specific situation.
Emotional support: early menopause can affect a woman’s mental and emotional health. Seeking support from friends, family or support groups can be invaluable for sharing experiences and finding comfort during this time of change.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you manage the symptoms of early menopause more effectively. A balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques can significantly improve your quality of life during this transition.
Explore solutions to relieve symptoms: alongside healthy practices, consider incorporating pharmaceutical products designed to relieve the symptoms of early menopause, such as internal or external moisturisers. At Cumlaude Lab, we offer a range of solutions that can help you and provide relief and comfort during this stage. Products such as:
Deligyn Internal Moisturiser, in gel-cream form.
Gineseda Vaginal Suppositories
Libripiù Intimate Cream
Hydra Spray

Early menopause can present challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth and adaptation. By educating ourselves, seeking support, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exploring treatment options, we as women can face this life change with confidence and resilience. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and with the right support, it is possible to live life to the full with early menopause.