Treatment of Early Menopause
The treatment of early menopause focuses on managing symptoms, reducing long-term health risks, and providing emotional support. Since early menopause results in many years without oestrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended unless there are medical reasons to avoid it.
HRT replaces the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. It typically includes oestrogen and progesterone, either in tablets, patches, gels, or vaginal creams. HRT helps control hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and protects against bone loss. Women who’ve had a hysterectomy may need oestrogen-only HRT.
When started early and continued until the average menopausal age (around 51), HRT offers many benefits with low risk. It can also improve heart health and cognitive function. Women who cannot take hormones—for example, due to a history of breast cancer—may be offered non-hormonal medications or lifestyle-based symptom management.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with regular weight-bearing exercise, are recommended to prevent osteoporosis. Bone density scans help track progress and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
For vaginal symptoms, local oestrogen treatments such as creams or pessaries can relieve dryness and discomfort without affecting the whole body. Lubricants and moisturisers are also useful during sex.
Emotional support is essential. Counselling or support groups can help women cope with the psychological impact of early menopause. This includes grieving the loss of fertility, adjusting to body changes, and navigating relationships and intimacy. Many women benefit from connecting with others going through similar experiences.
Fertility preservation is another area of concern. Some women choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing treatments that may lead to early menopause (such as chemotherapy). Others may consider donor eggs or adoption in future family planning.
Treatment of Early Menopause
In South Africa, HRT is available through public health systems but may be limited to larger hospitals. Awareness and availability of bone scans, fertility preservation, and counselling are uneven. Many women rely on primary clinics, where early menopause may be misunderstood or overlooked altogether.
Women going through early menopause should also focus on long-term health. Regular check-ups, heart screenings, and mammograms are important. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active help reduce the risk of complications.
The treatment of early menopause is not just about symptom relief—it’s about improving quality of life and protecting future health. With the right medical care and emotional support, women can thrive, even when menopause arrives earlier than expected.
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