A professor of Anatomy and Consultant Reproductive Endocrinologist, Oladapo Ashiru, said some women go through menopause before age 40 because of genetic factors and toxins. He said that some cancer treatments, substandard cosmetics and bleaching products can drive some women under 40 to reach menopause.
According to Ashiru, some oil and gas and oil-producing workers also suffer from premature menopause.
According to him, premature menopause is one of the main signs of premature ovarian failure.
Premature ovarian failure is the loss of normal function of the ovaries of women. It usually occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 40. It is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency.
He said when the ovaries fail, they don’t produce reasonable amounts of the hormone estrogen or release eggs regularly, leading to infertility and menopause-like symptoms.
Speaking in an interview, the fertility expert said it is difficult, though not impossible, for women who have premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency to become pregnant. Ashiru said-
“The most common cause is environmental toxins. Toxins, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the most common causes of toxin-induced ovarian failure and premature menopause. These therapies can damage the genetic material in cells.
“Other environmental toxins (termed environmental endocrine disruptors) such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, poor quality cosmetics and bleaching products, petrochemicals, pesticides, and viruses might hasten ovarian failure and cessation of the menstrual period.
“Currently available options to resolve infertility include changing family-building plans, such as adoption, ovum donation, or embryo donation. All women with premature menopause should receive cyclical hormone replacement therapy after a complete evaluation of the hormonal panels. It will include estrogen and progestin to relieve estrogen deficiency symptoms and maintain bone density. The use of transdermal or oral estrogens is appropriate”.
cc: Punch Ng
