Menopause Causes

Included on this page are 20 essentials covering the causes of menopause. These essentials cover the most common cause, naturally occurring, as well as POI, which can lead to premature menopause before age 40, and induced menopause from surgical and medical procedures.

1. Menopause is primarily caused by the natural aging process, typically occurring between 45 and 55 years.
2. Menopause happens when ovarian egg (oocyte) production stops completely after decreasing over time with age.
3. The ovaries also produce lower levels of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, which regulate periods and managing pregnancy.
4. The causes of menopause include naturally occurring menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and induced menopause.
5. When menopause is naturally occurring, symptoms are usually gradual from around 45 years, including irregular periods, mood swings, and disrupted sleep.
6. Premature menopause occurs before 40 years, early between 40 and 45 years, and late after 55 years.
7. Both premature and early menopause can increase health risks because of prolonged periods of lower hormone levels.

8. POI can lead to premature menopause before 40 years, and premature menopause can also be induced.
9. POI is when the ovaries fail to release eggs regularly. This disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and often results in infertility.
10. POI may be triggered by genetic abnormalities, metabolic disturbances, autoimmune disorders, or certain health conditions.
11. Despite experiencing menopause-like symptoms, women with POI may still have some ovarian function, so contraceptives may be needed.
12. Where fertility is a concern, specialized treatments are available, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

13. Induced menopause happens following certain surgical or medical interventions affecting a woman’s reproductive organs.
14. Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries or other reproductive organs are removed, resulting in an abrupt hormonal decline.
15. Surgical procedures include a bilateral oophorectomy, a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and a radical hysterectomy.
16. Medical menopause is induced by therapies that temporarily or permanently halt ovarian production.
17. Medical therapies include chemotherapy, pelvic radiation therapy, medications that suppress estrogen production, and ovarian suppression therapy.
18. Women can experience severe and often immediate menopause symptoms with induced menopause, particularly when menopause is premature or early.
19. The hormonal shifts associated with induced menopause can lead to immediate and long-term health consequences, including increased risks of osteoporosis.
20. Menopause symptoms and risks can be treated with suitable hormone therapies and medications, and managed with lifestyle adjustments.

To learn more, visit the Causes of Menopause page.