Early Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Solutions

What is early menopause and how can it be relieved?

Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure (POF) , affects about 1 to 2% of women before the age of 40. This phenomenon can occur unexpectedly: it interrupts the menstrual cycle well before the average age of menopause, around 50 years old. But what are the signs, causes and what are the natural solutions to prevent early menopause ? Discover all our advice to help you get through this delicate period.

What is early menopause?

Early menopause, or premature ovarian failure (POF), is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This leads to a significant drop in the production of female sex hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone), which are crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining fertility.

Normally, the ovaries release eggs each month during the menstrual cycle: this is a process controlled by hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) . However, in women experiencing early menopause, this process stops much earlier than expected. This causes a disruption in menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, and symptoms similar to those of traditional menopause. While traditional menopause usually occurs around age 50, early menopause affects women before age 40 (and in some extreme cases, as early as age 20 or 30).

Symptoms of early menopause

Symptoms of early menopause are similar to those of traditional menopause, although they may be more unexpected due to the younger age of the women affected:

• Hot flashes : Hormonal fluctuations cause sudden feelings of intense heat.
• Sleep disorders : insomnia and night awakenings disrupt rest.
• Vaginal dryness : Decreased estrogen levels can lead to decreased vaginal lubrication, causing discomfort and pain during intercourse.
• Mood swings and emotional disturbances : irritability, anxiety, and even depression can accompany this period.
• Osteoporosis : An increased risk of bone fragility due to decreased estrogen, which plays a role in bone health.

Diagnosis of early menopause is usually made after consultation with a doctor or gynecologist. Several tests can be performed to assess ovarian function, including measuring hormone levels (estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone). Regular medical monitoring is essential to monitor associated risks, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

What causes menopause before 40?

The causes of early menopause are varied and may include genetic factors, diseases, or medical interventions. Here are the main explanations:

• Hereditary factors : If there is a family history of early menopause, it is possible that some women are genetically predisposed to this condition. Specific genetic abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome) can also affect the development of the ovaries and lead to early menopause.
• Autoimmune diseases : In some autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including the ovaries, disrupting their function. Diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis or lupus can increase the risk of early menopause.
• Medical treatments : Cancer treatments (e.g. chemotherapy and radiation therapy) can damage the ovaries, causing premature menopause. These treatments particularly affect rapidly dividing cells, including the cells responsible for producing eggs.
• Surgical procedures : Removal of the ovaries (called an oophorectomy) is sometimes necessary in cases of serious pathologies such as ovarian cancer or certain infections. This surgical procedure automatically leads to early menopause since the ovaries, the main source of sex hormones, are removed.
• Chromosomal abnormalities : Certain genetic abnormalities, such as those seen in fragile X syndrome, can lead to an early decrease in ovarian reserve.
• Lifestyle : Certain behaviors, such as smoking, can accelerate the depletion of the egg supply in the ovaries, which can hasten the onset of menopause. Smoking is known to have a deleterious effect on blood circulation and tissues, including the ovaries.

What natural solutions are there to better manage premature menopause?

Although early menopause cannot be reversed, there are ways to naturally support the body during this transition. Certain herbal extracts may play a role in the overall well-being of women experiencing early menopause:

• Bud macerates : These concentrated extracts of buds from plants are known to support hormonal well-being and help manage symptoms related to menopause. For example, raspberry bud macerate is traditionally used to help maintain hormonal balance.
• Birch sap : Rich in minerals and trace elements, birch sap has long been used to help maintain the body's vitality, particularly during hormonal transitions. It can support kidney function and help eliminate toxins accumulated in the body.
• Propolis : This product from the hive has antioxidant properties and can play a supporting role for the immune system. Propolis also plays a role in maintaining good oral health and can be of interest for sensitive mucous membranes.

These natural solutions do not replace medical monitoring, but they can support women in managing their symptoms while respecting their bodily balance.

The Herbalgem solution to better experience early menopause

As mentioned in this article, early menopause can cause various inconveniences, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances and intimate dryness, all well before the usual age of menopause. Herbalgem thus offers natural solutions to support women in this delicate transition. The Fem50+Gem BIO complex , although initially designed for women aged 50 and over, is a natural response that can also play a role in supporting symptoms in order to live well through menopause .

Thanks to the action of several buds and plants (such as the bud of young cranberry shoots to alleviate discomfort and the mother tincture of sage to promote hormonal balance), this complex supports women in the management of hormonal imbalances . In addition, the hawthorn bud soothes in case of sleep disorders and stress, frequent during this period, such as during perimenopause or postmenopause .

The liquid formulation of Herbalgem products allows for rapid absorption of the active ingredients by the body , in order to provide faster relief than supplements in tablet form. Herbalgem thus offers a natural and effective alternative to support women throughout their early menopause.

Our other tips for relieving the effects of premature menopause

Psychological support

First of all, the support of a healthcare professional (whether it is a general practitioner, a gynecologist or even an endocrinologist) is essential. These experts can not only make an accurate diagnosis, but also offer solutions adapted to each woman based on her symptoms and medical history. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor the effects of menopause on bone, cardiovascular and emotional health.

Listening to your body

Listening carefully to your body is also crucial during this transition. Every woman reacts differently to early menopause, so it’s important to recognize and manage your own symptoms. For example, hot flashes can be alleviated by adjusting your daily routine, such as wearing light clothing, staying in cool environments, or avoiding spicy foods.

Balanced diet

At the same time, a balanced diet plays a key role in better coping with early menopause. It is recommended to adopt a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, which is particularly vulnerable due to the decrease in estrogen. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale, and oily fish such as salmon are excellent sources of calcium.