Premature menopause increases the risk of longterm health risks, osteoporosis and heart disease, associated with menopause.

Premature menopause is diagnosed by blood tests and patients should be screened for diabetes, thyroid disease and similar diseases.

Causes of premature menopause include autoimmune disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus), cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation), surgery to remove ovaries.

The fertility options after premature menopause are the use of donor eggs, similar to in vitro fertilization, but the eggs come from a donor instead of the woman who is trying to become pregnant.

Estrogen relieves the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including the hot flashes and the vaginal dryness.