How to Cope With Premature Menopause

Premature menopause, also called premature ovarian failure (POF), is generally defined as ovarian failure in a woman less than 40 years old. It occurs in about 1% of the population. Why it happens is poorly understood.

Things You'll Need

• Counseling For Depression

Instructions

1. Join an online premature menopause support group. Go to a major search engine like Google or Yahoo and type in "premature menopause" and "support." Chat with other young women who are experiencing an early onset menopause.

2. Talk openly and intimately with your significant other. It's not unusual to question your desirability, since a woman's sexuality is tied so closely to her ability to bear children.

3. Consider hormone replacement therapy. Doctors generally urge POF patients to use HRT because they'll have so many postmenopausal years ahead of them. Lifelong use of HRT is appropriate.

4. Seek counseling through university hospital menopause clinics or a mental health professional. POF patients often suffer negative emotions, especially if they had hoped to have children and now can't.

5. Explore the possibility of in vitro fertilization with hormonal support if you feel an overwhelming desire to have a baby. Visit a fertility clinic/specialist and find out more about high-tech pregnancies.

6. Understand that your beauty, lovableness and vibrance are not at all related to your ovarian function.

7. Follow a regular exercise program. Thirty minutes of brisk walking every day causes the body to release a natural morphine-like chemical called endorphins, which give you a sense of well-being.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information about premature menopause, call the Premature Ovarian Failure support network at 1-703-913-4787.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.cc