Medically induced menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This can happen naturally or be caused by certain medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove the ovaries. The main symptom of medically induced menopause is absent or irregular menstrual periods. Some women also experience menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and emotional changes.
Medically induced menopause is reversible in some cases, but not all. The likelihood of reversing it depends on the cause and treatment approach.
If the ovaries are surgically removed, this type of menopause cannot be reversed. However, in cases where the ovaries are still present but have been suppressed by medications or treatments like chemotherapy, it may be possible to restart ovarian function. Some factors that influence the chances of reversing medically induced menopause include:
- Age - Younger women have a higher chance of recovering ovarian function than older women approaching natural menopause. Women under 40 have the best chance.
- Reason for induced menopause - The cause impacts reversibility. Menopause induced by medications or chemotherapy is more likely to be reversible than that caused by radiation therapy or ovarian surgery.
- Duration of therapy - The longer the ovaries are suppressed, the lower the chances are of reversing course. Shorter durations of treatment improve the likelihood.
- Dosage of therapy - Higher doses make menopause less reversible. Lower doses may allow for ovarian recovery.
- Use of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists - These medications switch off ovulation but may allow the ovaries to restart after treatment. Using GnRH agonists makes reversibility more likely.
If the factors indicate induced menopause could potentially be reversed, the typical treatment approach is to stop the suppressing medications/therapy and see if normal menstrual cycles resume after a few months. Sometimes doctors also prescribe hormones like estrogen and progesterone to jumpstart the ovaries.
Results vary for different women - some find their periods restart after a few months, indicating the ovaries are functioning again. But for others, the menstrual cycles never fully resume and hormone levels remain low. Age is a big factor, with younger women having better outcomes.
The return of normal ovarian function and menstruation after medically induced menopause offers huge quality of life benefits. It allows women to maintain bone health and avoid severe menopause symptoms or infertility issues. But reversing course is not always possible. Work closely with your doctor to see if your specific situation may allow for recovery of ovarian function.
At Hormone Harmony, we specialize in helping women balance their hormones during major life transitions like menopause. Our experienced physicians offer comprehensive lab testing and evidence-based hormone therapies to reduce menopause symptoms and promote overall wellbeing. We recognize every woman has unique needs and formulate customized treatments that work with her body. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation. We're here to listen and develop an effective plan just for you.
