Medical Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is menopause (medical)?

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstrual periods. However, in some cases, menopause occurs due to medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This is known as medical menopause, which differs from natural menopause as it happens abruptly rather than gradually.

During the menopausal transition, a woman may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness due to fluctuating hormone levels. These menopausal symptoms can be more intense in medical menopause, as the body lacks time to adjust. Additionally, vaginal bleeding may occur unexpectedly.

Treatment options include hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy to ease the symptoms of menopause. However, these therapies are not always recommended, especially for those at risk of breast cancer. Non-hormonal medical treatments, including lifestyle changes and complementary and integrative health approaches, can also help manage discomfort.

How is medical menopause diagnosed?

Medical menopause is diagnosed based on a woman’s menstrual cycle history and clinical symptoms. Since it occurs due to medical interventions rather than natural aging, doctors assess whether the absence of menstrual periods is linked to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Healthcare providers may perform blood tests to measure hormone levels, particularly estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A significant drop in these levels confirms menopause. Women who experience premature menopause before age 40 may require additional testing to rule out underlying conditions.

The sudden loss of estrogen can make menopause symptoms worse, leading to more severe hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal changes that may affect sexual intercourse. In some cases, estrogen therapy is prescribed to relieve symptoms, but its use depends on individual risk factors. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures a personalized approach to managing medical menopause effectively.

Causes of medical menopause

Medical menopause occurs when a woman experiences menopause due to medical interventions rather than the natural aging process. This sudden transition can lead to common symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, and an increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Below are five major causes of medical menopause:

Surgical menopause

Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy or other pelvic surgeries. Since the ovaries stop releasing eggs, estrogen and progesterone levels drop suddenly, leading to severe emotional symptoms and physical discomfort. This abrupt change can increase the risk of blood clots and heart disease.

Chemotherapy-induced menopause

Certain chemotherapy drugs damage the ovaries, leading to temporary or permanent menopause. The severity of menopause depends on factors like dosage and a woman's medical history. Younger women may regain ovarian function after treatment, while older women are more likely to experience early menopause.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy targeting the pelvic area can destroy ovarian function, causing menopause. Unlike surgical menopause, which happens immediately, menopause from radiation may develop over weeks or months. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other long-term health concerns.

Certain medications

Drugs used to treat endometriosis, fibroids, or hormone-sensitive cancers can suppress estrogen production, triggering temporary menopause. Women taking these medications may experience mood swings and sensitivity to triggers like spicy foods that worsen symptoms.

Autoimmune and genetic conditions

Certain autoimmune diseases and genetic conditions can cause early ovarian failure, leading to medical menopause. Other risk factors, such as family history or immune disorders, may further contribute to early ovarian decline.

Medical menopause symptoms, risk factors, and complications

Medical menopause can cause a range of symptoms due to the abrupt drop in estrogen levels, often making the transition more challenging than natural menopause. Since many women experience menopause gradually, the sudden onset can lead to more intense effects.

Symptoms of medical menopause

When periods stop unexpectedly due to medical intervention, symptoms can be severe. Most women report hot flashes, mood changes, brain fog, and night sweats. A sudden feeling of heat, sweating, and heart palpitations can occur frequently. Additionally, other symptoms such as urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and reduced bladder control are common.

Risk factors and health complications

Women who undergo medical menopause at a younger age face a higher risk of long-term health complications. The average age of menopause is around 51, but those who experience it earlier may have an increased likelihood of osteoporosis, cholesterol levels imbalance, and cardiovascular issues. The loss of estrogen also affects the uterine lining, potentially increasing risks for certain conditions.

Managing symptoms with integrative health

Integrative health approaches, including hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments, can help address symptoms. Maintaining bone density through calcium and vitamin D intake can also help prevent osteoporosis and support overall women’s health.

Treating medical menopause

Managing medical menopause focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the higher risk of long-term health complications. Since women who undergo this transition abruptly may experience symptoms more intensely, early intervention is crucial.

Hormone therapy and medications

For women who have reached menopause due to medical causes, hormone therapy may help balance hormonal changes and ease hot flushes. However, this treatment isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly those at higher risk of breast cancer or blood clots. A healthcare professional can assess whether hormone therapy is appropriate based on medical history.

Lifestyle and integrative approaches

Non-hormonal treatments can improve well-being, such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and stress management. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing caffeine intake, and practicing relaxation techniques can help with sleep problems and mood stabilization. Consulting a healthcare professional about alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or supplements, may also provide relief.

Medical support and monitoring

Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Women who skip periods suddenly due to medical menopause should seek medical advice to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.

Main takeaways

Medical menopause differs from natural menopause, as it occurs due to medical interventions rather than aging. This sudden transition can cause intense symptoms and increase the risk of long-term health complications. According to the National Institute on Aging, women who undergo medical menopause face a greater risk of osteoporosis and heart disease due to the abrupt loss of estrogen. (National Institute on Aging, n.d.)

Many treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Hormone therapy, including low-dose estrogen, can relieve some symptoms, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Non-hormonal options, such as lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter supplements, can also provide relief.

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring health risks and adjusting treatment plans. With the right approach, women can effectively manage medical menopause and maintain their overall well-being.

Reference

National Institute on Aging. (2023). Menopause: Symptoms, causes, and treatments. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause