Premature menopause. 'I feel like an alien'.

BACKGROUND

Those women who experience premature menopause require special needs as the consequences to their health, physically and emotionally, both in the immediate and the long term are more significant.

OBJECTIVE

To present a management and treatment profile.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of spontaneous premature menopause is approximately 1% of women under 40 years with an increase up to 8-10% when menopause is the consequence of gynaecological surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diagnosis is often delayed. Careful investigation should occur over a number of months to confirm the diagnosis. Sensitive discussion of the diagnosis and management in a supportive manner will help the young woman to adjust to the menopause and accept appropriate hormonal therapy. Many other issues, including emotional, sexual, reproductive, societal and relationships may also need help.