Life seemed to be going swimmingly for Aisha. At 32, she was married to her childhood sweetheart, and the pair had already welcomed a son into their home. The couple simply looked forward to more offspring.
Following the birth of her son, Aisha noticed a void in her menstrual cycle. Her period hadn’t flowed for more than 3 months, causing her to become worried. She had herself tested, hoping that she might be pregnant, but the test result turned out negative. Now 37, Aisha is grappling with the loss of her menstruation, which has defeated her hopes of having more children.
Menopause—or the change of life as it’s sometimes called—signifies the permanent stop of menstruation from a woman’s body, indicating an end to childbearing. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), menopause is a natural milestone that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this transition, a woman may encounter irregular menstrual cycles, together with various symptoms on her body, that could span several years.
Menopause is heralded by the cessation of the periodic flow of blood from the uterus, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs for fertilization.
Yet menstrual flow can sometimes occur before the age of 40 in what is referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Statistics report that around 12% of women undergo natural menopause before reaching the age of 45. Yet a steep rise in the percentage is likely owing to surgical interventions and cancer treatment.
“Various things can cause or increase the risk of premature or early menopause, for example, smoking, a surgery that involves removing the entire internal female organs or a part of it, some genetic problems that affect female hormones, and some autoimmune diseases,” explains Rebekah Oluokun, a public health expert.
As with the natural menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency poses a threat to fertility since ovulation and egg production are halted.
Another harrowing threat is its effect on libido. Women faced with menopause typically report vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual drive.
Amid the deterioration of their sex lives, these women experience weaker joints, along with excessive sweating and heart aches.
Beyond the physical symptoms, premature menopause can induce emotional traumas, such as anxiety and depression.
While menopause remains a biological process, wholesome living can decrease the likelihood of premature menopause. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can alleviate the possibility of early menopause. By actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle, women can navigate this transition more effectively and uphold their overall health and well-being.
Dr. Ose Etiobhio, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, suggests that women seek the right education and have a healthy diet to avoid complications with their ovaries. Starting a family early, Etiobhio adds, could help many women like Aisha avoid battling with early menopause.
At 32, Aisha was happily married with a son, but she faced a worrying gap in her menstrual cycle post-pregnancy, leading to a diagnosis of early menopause at 37, ending her hopes for more children. Menopause is a natural milestone, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, marked by the end of menstruation and thus childbearing. However, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can trigger menopause before 40, affecting around 12% of women under 45, often exacerbated by factors like smoking, surgeries, genetic issues, and autoimmune diseases.
Both natural and premature menopause can severely impact fertility due to the cessation of ovulation and egg production. It also reduces libido, causing physical discomforts like vaginal dryness, weaker joints, heart issues, and emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. However, a healthy lifestyle focusing on balanced diet and regular exercise can mitigate early menopause risks. Dr. Ose Etiobhio suggests that proper education, a healthy diet, and starting a family early can help women avoid premature menopause complications.
