Some women may think that the absence of menstruation is transient, but experts confirm that menopause during the reproductive years may be a health indicator that requires attention, especially if it continues for a long time without a clear reason.
The German Society of Endocrinology indicates that menopause in women of reproductive age may occur for various reasons, including pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or taking certain medications, in addition to severe psychological stress or excessive exercise.
Low estrogen
When the menstrual cycle stops, estrogen levels usually decrease, which is an essential hormone whose role is not only limited to regulating the menstrual cycle, but also plays an important role in maintaining bone and heart health and the psychological state of women.
Health experts warn that estrogen deficiency for long periods may lead to a decline in bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and may also affect cardiovascular health.
Common causes of menopause
Besides pregnancy and contraceptive use, possible causes of amenorrhea include:
- Stress and extreme psychological pressure
- Severe weight loss or eating disorders
- Excessive exercise
- Hormonal disorders such as pituitary gland or ovarian problems
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- Some medical treatments such as chemotherapy or some hormonal medications
In some cases, menopause is the result of a disorder in the brain or pituitary gland that controls the secretion of hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle.
Possible consequences if the outage continues
Specialists confirm that continued menopause without treatment may result in a number of health problems, including:
- Poor bone density and increased risk of fractures
- High risk of heart disease
- Psychological effects such as anxiety or mood swings
- Fertility problems and difficulty getting pregnant
Estrogen deficiency may also lead to a gradual loss of bone mass, which increases the risk of osteoporosis in the future.
When should you consult a doctor?
The German Society of Endocrinology recommends seeing a doctor if the menstrual cycle continues for more than three months, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe fatigue, frequent fractures, or obvious changes in weight.
In many cases, treatment depends on treating the underlying cause, and may include hormonal therapy or lifestyle modification such as improving nutrition, reducing stress, and regulating physical activity.