GYNECOLOGY:

 early menopause

Menopause is a normal phase in a woman's life. But in some women, it may occur earlier than in others. For example, the onset of menopause can occur a few years earlier in women who smoke compared with women who don't. In addition, menopause may be induced at any time after a girl’s first period because of medical interventions, including:

• Bilateral oophorectomy. An operation that removes both ovaries can cause menopause. There is no perimenopausal phase. Instead, periods stop immediately, and hot flashes and other menopausal signs and symptoms begin.

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer therapies can cause signs and symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and cessation of periods, during the course of treatment. In some women, ovarian activity may resume after treatment is over. But if these therapies cause irreparable damage to the ovaries, they can end fertility and menstruation permanently.