A key role is played by two hormones, typically female – estrogen and progesterone. Thanks to them, the menstrual cycle is mainly regulated, as estrogen is related to the maturation of the ovum, and the presence of menstruation in general, and progesterone, which prepares the uterine lining to welcome a possibly fertilized ovum. Progesterone is released from the corpus luteum after the egg is released at ovulation. From a certain point, as the reproductive age advances, the amount of estrogen and progesterone that is synthesized by the ovaries begins to decrease. This marks the beginning of the period before menopause, premenopause. A decrease in the level of female sex hormones is usually noticed after the age of 35. In general, initially the decrease in progesterone is more pronounced, which already creates problems with conception. In reality, a woman begins to lose her fertility long before she notices the harbingers of menopause. Over time, the release of estrogen and progesterone decreases to the point where the menstrual cycle is lost. During this period, the woman notices changes in the usual characteristics of the menstrual cycle and menstrual bleeding, such as a shortening of the duration of the menses, a change in its abundance, its more frequent occurrence or, on the contrary, skipping months. Menopause does not happen suddenly. Menopause for our ethnic group occurs between 49 – 52 years. Her symptoms usually “call” at least 2-3 years earlier. In some women, however, menopause occurs much earlier than these 45 years. Then there is talk of premature menopause. Although menopause is considered a natural stage of a woman’s life cycle, especially its onset before the expected age should be a signal for a woman, not just to end her fertility, but to check her health. Premature menopause is not a normal condition. It is usually due to certain deficiencies and diseases such as hypothyroidism, Turner’s syndrome, Addison’s disease (chronic adrenal insufficiency), as well as tuberculosis, malaria, even chicken pox. NEWS_MORE_BOX Premature menopause also affects women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, those who have undergone bilateral oophorectomy, hysterectomy. There is evidence to suggest that twins are more likely to experience premature menopause, as well as some genetic factors. Whether you have a problem of this nature – premature onset of menopause – can be determined with some specific tests. Reproductive medicine specialists usually order a follicle-stimulating hormone FSH test to check its level. As menopause approaches, FSH rises. However, this test is not sufficient to diagnose the condition. Luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone are also monitored on certain days of the cycle and, if necessary, anti-Müllerian hormone. In addition to their values ​​separately, the ratio between some,as well as their development over time is tracked. Mandatory for suspicions of premature onset of menopause, in addition to the examination of sex hormones, a test for the level of the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH is also performed, since the same symptoms appear with reduced thyroid function, such as hot flashes, decreased sex hormones, changes in the menstrual cycle cycle etc. except impaired fertility is present. You’ll find out why we insist so much on asserting your femininity and taking action when necessary in our next post on the topic this week.