This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of fertility in women, with the average age at 51.5 years among Kenyan women. However, it can occur as early as the 30s.
According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine journal on May 10, 2021, premature menopause affects 1 per cent of women under the age of 40 years.
Women who undergo premature menopause are at an elevated risk of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.
Evolutionary biologist George Christopher Williams proposed the 'grandmother hypothesis', suggesting that menopause might be an adaptation that allows older women to focus on supporting their existing offspring.
Research at the University College London found that women who engage in sexual activity weekly or monthly have a reduced risk of premature menopause compared to those who have sex less frequently.
Interestingly, the study found that women who reported weekly sexual involvement were 28 per cent less likely to experience premature menopause relative to those who engaged in sexual activities less than monthly.
According to the study's first author, PhD candidate Megan Arnot, there exists a biological energy trade-off when a woman ceases to engage in sexual activity, leading the body to 'choose' not to invest energy into ovulation.
However, the study found no correlation between sexual frequency and early menopause to the presence or absence of a male partner.
Other factors that can cause premature menopause include chemotherapy and surgical procedures, infection, autoimmune diseases, and cigarette smoking.
Common symptoms of premature menopause include low sex drive, irregular or missed periods, changes in heaviness of menses, bladder incontinence, insomnia, memory issues, thinning hair, and vaginal dryness.
