Increased smoking, nutritional mistakes and environmental factors lead up for early menopause. Stating that menopause, which is an extremely important period in women's lives, can cause serious health problems when experienced early, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar reminded that the predetermination of ovarian functions is very important for the protection of fertility. 
While a woman is expected to enter menopause at an average age of 51, cessation of menstruation before the age of 40 is defined as premature ovarian failure (POF) or early menopause.

Therefore, preserving ovarian reserve is extremely important for the preservation of fertility. Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar, an Obstetrics and Gynecology, in vitro Fertility ( IVF)  Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals, stated that early menopause not only affects fertility but also shortens the lifespan of women due to other health issues it may cause.

"Generally, the cause is not known,"

Stating that the cause of premature ovarian failure is mostly undetectable, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynaecology, Obstetrics and IVF specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar said that genetic factors are thought to be primarily responsible. "Although we do not have enough data on this subject, theoretically, we think that the risk of early menopause has increased especially in recent periods due to changes in environmental factors, stress and widespread smoking," said Prof. Dr. Attar and explained the other factors that cause the problem:

The risk of premature ovarian failure increases in young girls with first-degree relatives with early menopause and after surgical interventions for ovarian cysts. In addition, patients undergoing cancer treatment may also enter early menopause due to the effects of drugs or radiotherapy. Smoking is also one of the most important factors that predispose to early menopause. In addition, malnutrition, having an unhealthy habit of body infections such as mumps and tuberculosis during pregnancy or during girlhood can lead to premature  menopause."

Leading to Different Issues

Pointing out that different health problems can occur in women in case of early menopause in addition to loss of fertility, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar said, "Early menopause shortens life expectancy if left untreated.. Additionally, neurological diseases are more frequently observed, and psychosexual problems also increase."

Patients Apply to Physicians Late

 Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar said that women who enter early menopause usually consult a physician either when they stop menstruating completely or when they want a child. "Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done in terms of fertility for patients who come at this stage. "Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done in terms of fertility for patients who come at this stage. For this reason, it should be known that determining the ovarian functions in advance is of great importance in terms of protecting the fertility of the woman."

There Is a Chance of Pregnancy with Early Intervention

Stating that young girls and patients at risk of early menopause can be detected by special genetic examinations in addition to clinical examination and imaging methods, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar continued his words as follows "By taking measures to freeze eggs or ovaries, we can preserve the chances of these people to achieve pregnancy with their own eggs even if they lose their fertility in the future. We regulate the treatment of patients who have entered early menopause to protect them from serious health problems such as heart diseases, thyroid failure and osteoporosis. 

Can Early Menopause Be Prevented?

Emphasizing the need for increased awareness, especially among women with a family history of early menopause, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar, an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals, provided the following information regarding measures that can be taken to prevent early menopause:
Factors such as avoiding smoking, good nutrition, good determination of the quality and technique of surgical treatments on the ovaries, control of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and mumps, and fewer partners can delay early menopause. In women who give birth, the risk of early menopause decreases by 8 per cent in the first pregnancy, 16 per cent in the second pregnancy and 22 per cent in the third pregnancy. There is a relationship between breastfeeding duration and early menopause. Women who breastfeed for 25 months have a 28 per cent lower risk of early menopause than women who do not breastfeed or breastfeed for less than 1 month."