My Menopause Blog

Menopause does not always arrive on the life stage coach at the appointed time. Just like everything else in life, menopause has it’s own variation on the reproductive ‘best before date’ expiry theme. This week I’m going to touch down again on a couple of these variations. To see previous posts on this topic, click here.

Sudden or early menopause is usually very traumatic for the woman and her family. The terms ‘early’ and ‘sudden’ are interchangeable when describing the experience but I find the two words vastly different in tone. “Sudden” seems like the more accurate descriptor given the ‘whacked over the head’ style of sudden menopausal symptoms.

Sudden menopause can be brought on by or be due to an autoimmune disorder, a hysterectomy, anorexia, chemotherapy, a reaction to medication or radiation treatment. Women who experience full menopausal symptoms before the age of 45 are thought to be experiencing early or sudden menopause.

Sudden menopause is abrupt. Hormone levels drop over a period of days, weeks or months. Due to the sudden nature of this type of menopause, more time and attention is required to develop coping strategies that will help alleviate symptoms that hit like a run-away truck.

Premature menopause is menopause that occurs before 40 and as a result of
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). Premature menopause is less abrupt than sudden menopause but can be equally devastating.

Because of the nature of either early or premature menopause the woman will experience a heightened level of emotional reaction to her situation than someone who comes to menopause in due, natural course. If disease or a prescribed treatment has contributed to the onset of sudden menopause, the individuals situation is that much more challenging. Psychological issues that surface will need as much attention as the physical symptoms.

Neither sudden nor premature menopause is a walk in the park for anyone. You will need to dedicate time and attention to your own needs and be as kind to yourself as possible. Be sure to explain your situation to your family and support network. Accept and ask for help and comfort whenever offered and needed. Assess your situation then make changes to your daily routine that will help you roll with the punches.

There really is no sense in fighting.

I’ll go further into the causes of sudden and premature menopause tomorrow.

Sue Richards

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