Medicine doesn’t really know the cause as to why some women deplete their ovarian reserve earlier
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or early menopause, is defined as the cessation of the normal functioning of the ovaries in women under the age of 40. It isn’t something strange since it affects 1 in every 1000 women aged 30 and 1 in every 100 women aged 40.
The causes are multiple and not always clear. Medicine doesn’t know exactly what causes some women to deplete their ovarian reserve earlier, or why the ovaries stop working properly. Thus, most of the time this dysfunction remains unexplained (more than 80% of cases) and currently there is no medical treatment. Being diagnosed with POI is very difficult to understand and accept, since it is an irreversible process, which means that the chances of natural pregnancies are almost zero.
The arrival of this news comes as a heavy blow, a genuine shock for the couples receiving it, who are so full of love, hope and projects. For a woman who has not yet reached 40, it isn’t easy to be told that she is in menopause or is about to have it. Thus, it is common that after this diagnosis negative ideas arise, in addition to experiencing a kind of misalignment with respect to her friends who are either pregnant or trying to have a baby, and who don’t feel at all threatened by the menopause. It can be difficult to share your anguish with them or with your social circle, given that it is a situation that few people understand or experience, and we can end up feeling alone and isolated. In that case, a professional can help you cope with this news.
On a physical level, early menopause is accompanied by an increase in weight, irritability or even uncontrollable anger crises, mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats. We should also add an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders and fractures, due to the sudden drop in hormones. Without forgetting vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual well-being, which leads to less desire. It is important to talk about it with your partner so that your love life doesn’t deteriorate. His support and understanding are essential.
Women who are diagnosed with early menopause and who haven’t been able to fulfil their desire to experience motherhood, have the possibility of becoming pregnant thanks to egg donation. The success rate is very high. However, in cases like these, it is vital to first of all overcome the bereavement of the genetic child. Some will need more time than others. You shouldn’t hesitate about going to help groups to express yourself and handle the feelings that this situation causes. Women and couples who are facing the same thing can help you. Finally, hormone therapy, which even though it doesn’t allow you to achieve a natural pregnancy will help you to recover internal balance and a certain harmony between a body that is starting to wane slightly and a spirit in full bloom.
