Approximately five percent of women experience menopause symptoms before the age of 40.
There are a variety of reasons, both natural and induced, which can create an environment ripe for early-onset perimenopause.
But one of the most confusing aspects for many women is that it can be hard to know exactly what is going on with your body when you start experiencing the classic signs of perimenopause before the age of 40. Why does this happen? Read on to find out the causes and helpful remedies.
The Causes of Undergoing Menopause Before 40
“Some studies indicate that women who smoke, women who are quite thin and women who are nutritionally deficient may enter perimenopause earlier in life.”
A variety of circumstances can conspire to create early perimenopause. For some women, it is genetic. If your mom, grandmother, older sister or other relatives experienced an early onset of symptoms, you may do so too.
In some cases, perimenopause is induced, whether because of cancer medications, hysterectomy or some other medical cause.
Lifestyle choices can also play a part. Some studies indicate that women who smoke, women who are quite thin and women who are nutritionally deficient may enter perimenopause earlier in life.
And in some cases, doctors still do not fully understand why women experience early menopause symptoms.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Menopause Before 40
The symptoms of perimenopause, that period of time before your period ceases for 12 consecutive months, vary from one woman to another. No two experiences are identical.
Having said that, this list represents the symptoms most commonly reported by patients:
– Hot flashes.
– Night sweats.
– Irregular periods.
– Irritability and/or mood swings.
– Loss of libido.
– Dry mouth and skin.
– Pain or discomfort while urinating or leakage.
– Vaginal dryness.
Natural Remedies that Can Help Delay PeriMenopause
“Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.”
At this point, you are probably wondering if there are any natural remedies that can help to delay early-onset perimenopause or even reverse early perimenopause symptoms.
While researchers have yet to discover a means of reversing premature perimenopause, there are definitely things you can do naturally to ease symptoms once they’ve begun or even to keep your body from entering premature perimenopause.
These recommended natural remedies are easy to implement and you can start right away:
1. Take in sufficient daily doses of Vitamin D and calcium.
You can get plenty of Vitamin D from natural sunlight if your schedule and skin health permits (and your doctor agrees). Otherwise, taking fish oil supplements, eating eggs and oily fish like salmon and Vitamin-D fortified foods will also work.
Calcium-rich foods include dairy and dark leafy greens, tofu and beans.
2. Increase your intake of phyto-estrogen rich foods.
Foods rich in photo-estrogens include soy-based foods, flax seeds and flax seed oil, sesame seeds and sesame seed oil, oats and barley, beans and peas, lentils, wheat berries and other whole grains and seeds like millet and rye.
3. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
This is a big one for all kinds of reasons, including but certainly not limited to delaying onset of perimenopause.
4. Stay hydrated and get enough restful sleep.
Drinking sufficient amounts of water can help flush toxins out of your body, replenish lost moisture in your cells and tissues, keep food cravings under control, ease bloating and even help you lose weight.
In the same way, maintaining a regular sleep cycle is vital to ensure your body has sufficient time each night to undertake its own healing maintenance.
5. Take natural supplements.
Plenty of herbal supplements exist that have shown benefit to women experiencing symptoms at any age.
Black cohosh, St. John’s Wort, vitex (chaste berry), raspberry leaf, red clover, maca root, American ginseng and any adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, medicinal mushrooms are examples) can help ease symptoms.
“Be sure to talk with your doctor before changing your diet or adding supplements”
If you are experiencing perimenopause before 40, it is important to take a proactive approach to help yourself feel better!
The information in this article about perimenopause, who is most at risk, common symptoms and natural remedies gives you a great place to start.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before changing your diet or adding supplements, especially if you are currently taking any required medications.
Sources & References:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/early-or-premature-menopause
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/causes-early#causes
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/premature-menopause-symptoms
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-natural-menopause-tips
https://draxe.com/5-natural-remedies-menopause-relief/
