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A normally functioning ovary produces three hormones - estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone - each with a number of important functions. These three hormones control the regulation of the menstrual cycle, fertility, vaginal health, protection from osteoporosis, sexual desire and another of other important activities within the body. Obviously, altering the balance of such influential hormones can wreak havoc in a women’s life.
What Happens in Induced Menopause
The term “induced menopause†describes menopause caused by a medical intervention. Induced menopause can occur at any age after puberty and before natural menopause occurs. The most common cause of induced menopause is the surgical removal of both ovaries (called bilateral oophorectomy). With this surgical menopause, menopause occurs the day the ovaries are removed and irreversible infertility results.
Other causes of induced menopause include certain drug or radiation therapies, specifically cancer chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy. These therapies cause varying degrees of ovarian damage. More serious damage can result in a loss of fertility and cessation of menstrual periods, immediately or after several months. If the damage is minimal, these treatments may cause temporary menopause with an eventual return of ovarian function.
With induced menopause of any type, levels of both estrogen and testosterone decline more rapidly than they do with natural menopause. These women do not transition through perimenopause. Instead, they must adjust to a rapid decline in hormone levels.
What To Expect
Women who experience induced menopause often have more sudden and severe menopause symptoms -- without a period of gradual adjustment -- because their ovarian levels fall suddenly and dramatically.
Women who go through induced menopause must also cope with the disease or condition that led to the medical intervention as well as the side effects of therapy. For example, pelvic radiation can cause severe vaginal dryness. Chemotherapy, depending on which drugs are used, may cause hair loss, nausea, fatigue, weight gain, and lack of energy, in addition to its effect on the ovaries. Loss of fertility may be an additional burden. As a result, the emotional impact of induced menopause may also be greater than with natural menopause
Natural Alternatives for Menopause
Bioidentical Progesterone Cream with Phytoestrogens
Contains both progesterone and phytoestrogens which work together to provide women more effective control of their menopausal symptoms.
Menopause Formula (PhytoBalance)
PhytoBalance contains eight of the most tested and proven herbs that reduces hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, and depression associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Recommended Herbs
Menopause-Condition Treatments
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