About 4 percent of Indian women in the age group of 29-34 years show signs of menopause, according to a survey conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). The problem is worse for women in the age group of 35-39 years, with nearly nine percent of them reported to hit early menopause, the survey said, according to a Hindu report.
Globally, the average age at which a woman shows signs of menopause is 51 years.
According to experts, women who hit early menopause may have irregular menstrual cycle patterns that stop completely later on. The modern day lifestyle, coupled with the other medical conditions, may be the reason for Indian women experiencing premature menopause.
The changing dynamics of the Indian family, increased stress upon women to be financially independent and whittling down of the familial support structure have all put tremendous physical, emotional and mental strain on the women, gynaecologist Ranjit Chakraborti wrote in indmedica.com.
"These pressures, coupled with the lack of proper nutrition and education about health play havoc with female hormones, resulting in a skewed menstrual pattern. Menopause is the strongest biological transitory phase in a woman's life accompanied by volatile physical changes," he added. With the onset of menopause and the subsequent dip in the levels of these hormones, a woman's overall health, including her libido, gets impacted. The plummeting estrogen levels trigger increased blood flow to the face, neck, and chest and back, thereby resulting in the famed hot flushes."
Doctors say that premature ovarian failure (POF) — a condition when ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40— could also be a major factor.
"The cause of POF goes undetermined in majority of the cases, but changing food habits, work cultures with increased pressure and high stress are some of the reasons," IVF specialist Shobha Gupta was quoted by the Hindu as saying. She further said that because of this trend, it would be advisable to plan a family on time.
"A woman's body is going through so many changes today because of the atmosphere and lifestyle requirements, which is why we have been seeing cases of premature ovary failure in young adults. It is better to plan a family on time, and if you feel any medical issues then you should consult your doctor soon," she said.
