Your questions answered and questions to ask your doctor

How does EM differ from natural menopause?

What are the differences between premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), premature ovarian failure, premature menopause and early menopause?

How common are EM and POI?

Can EM/POI be prevented?

What are the causes of EM/POI?

Is EM/POI an inherited disease (run in families)?

Will my daughter(s) also develop EM/POI?

Should my daughter be told to have children early?

Are genetic tests needed in women with EM/POI?

What increases my risk of EM/POI?

What is medically induced EM/POI?

What is spontaneous EM/POI?

How is EM/POI diagnosed?

I have irregular periods. Do I have EM/POI?

What tests do I need to have to diagnose EM/POI?

How many times do I need to do the tests for diagnosis?

What do my test results mean?

What tests do I need to do to find the cause of EM/POI?

What are the symptoms of EM/POI?

Do all women with EM/POI experience symptoms?

Are menopause symptoms more severe in EM/POI compared with menopause at a usual age (about 50 years)?

What are hot flushes?

How long will I have hot flushes?

I have difficulty sleeping. Is it a sign of EM/POI?

What body changes are associated with EM/POI?

Does EM/POI cause changes in urinary or vaginal symptoms?

Does EM/POI cause changes in sexual function?

Does EM/POI cause mood changes?

Are there any special symptoms or signs associated with different causes of EM/POI?

Can my menstrual period come back after they have stopped?

What are the effects of EM/POI on sexuality and urinary/vaginal function?

What is the best treatment for vaginal pain, dryness and discomfort?

Can lubricants and moisturizers help vaginal discomforts?

What can I do if sex is painful?

Can I use more than one treatment?

Can I have vaginal estrogen treatment (creams or tablets) in addition to other forms of HRT?

Does vaginal estrogen treatment (creams or tablets) work as well as other types of HRT?

Are the side-effects of different hormonal treatments, vaginal, oral or transdermal (through the skin e.g. patches or gel) the same?

I have heard about laser therapy for vaginal symptoms. What is it and how does it work?

How can I improve my sexual relationship?

What is testosterone therapy for sexual function problems?

What is testosterone therapy for sexual function problems?

Does EM/POI have effects on mood (anxiety, depression)?

How do I know if I have anxiety or depression?

I feel tired and have stress most of the time. Is it related to EM?

How I can improve my self-esteem?

What are the best treatment options for depression and anxiety?

Do I need to see a psychologist?

Can EM affect my relationship?

What are the psychological effects of infertility associated with EM/POI?

Does EM/POI make it more difficult to get pregnant?

Is there any chance of pregnancy (without medical help)?

Do women with EM/POI need to use contraception if they do not want to get pregnant?

How is infertility treated in EM/POI?

What is the best treatment option for fertility?

Can I use assisted reproductive techniques?

How long should I try to become pregnant before seeing a fertility doctor?

Do I need to try to become pregnant now or I can wait until I become ready?

Should I consider freezing my eggs, or is too late?

How would I know if I am pregnant when taking HRT?

What are the psychological effects of infertility associated with EM/POI?

What are the long-term effects of EM/POI on my health?

Are EM/POI effects more severe than menopause at the usual age (about 50 years)?

I have difficulty concentrating. Is it related to EM/POI?

I have memory problems. Is it related to EM/POI?

I have memory problems. Is it related to EM/POI?

Do women with EM have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

Can HRT decrease my risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

Are women with EM/POI at risk of bone loss?

How common is bone loss in EM/POI?

What are the risk factors for bone loss in women with EM/POI?

Does family history change my risk of bone loss?

Can any medications cause bone loss?

What are the symptoms of bone loss?

Are there any tests to check for bone loss and how often should I have tests?

Is there an increased risk of bone fracture (breaking of bone) later in life?

How can I prevent bone loss (decreased bone density/osteoporosis)?

What is the best treatment for bone loss?

Does a healthy lifestyle improve bone health?

What is the best diet for preventing bone loss?

What are the best sources of calcium and vitamin D?

How much calcium do I need to have in my diet?

Do I need to use any supplements (calcium, vitamin D) to prevent/treat bone loss and are they safe?

Is it safe to use dietary supplements?

Is it safe to use dietary supplements?

Is there any specific exercise for bone protection?

What exercises or activities should I avoid?

Which health professional should I see for more support about physical activity or exercise?

Do women gain weight after menopause?

Are women with EM/POI at higher risk of heart disease/stroke?

How do I check my risk of heart disease/stroke?

How can I reduce my risk of heart disease/stroke?

What lifestyle changes help reduce my risk of heart disease/stroke?

What medications reduce my risk of heart disease/stroke?

I have breast cancer- What are my EM treatment options?

Does EM/POI affect my risk of breast cancer?

What if I take HRT - how does that effect my breast cancer risk?

I have family history of breast cancer. Can I take HRT?

What are the treatments for EM/POI?

Do I need treatment if I do not have any symptoms?

What is the aim of the treatment?

Do symptoms get better without any treatment?

What is HRT/ MHT?

What do hormones do and why are they used for EM/POI?

What are the different types of HRT?

How effective is HRT?

Is it necessary to have treatment right now or I can start later?

Is HRT the best option for EM management?

Can HRT be affected by other medicines?

What are compounded bio-identical hormones and are they safe?

Are there medical conditions where HRT is not safe for me?

What is abnormal bleeding on HRT?

Should I report unexpected/abnormal bleeding when taking HRT?

What happens if I can’t or don’t want to take HRT?

What are the risks of HRT?

Does HRT increase the risk of cancer in women with EM/POI?

I have cancer. Is there any risk of cancer recurrence with HRT?

Does HRT cause weight gain?

I am overweight/obese. Can I use HRT?

I have high blood pressure. Can I take HRT?

Is HRT safe for women with a history of blood clots (venous thromboembolism)?

Is HRT safe for women with a family history of blood clots (venous thromboembolism)?

I get migraines. Can I take HRT?

Who do I need to contact if any side-effects occur?

How often should I have a check-up while taking HRT?

What should I do if I can’t take HRT?

What are the benefits of HRT?

Can HRT help to relieve hot flushes?

How long should I use HRT for?

Will hot flushes occur again if I stop treatment?

Can HRT treat mood disorders and depression?

Can HRT improve quality of life?

Can HRT prevent bone loss and heart disease?

What are non-hormonal treatment options?

What is the best non-hormonal treatment for reducing menopause symptoms?

Are non-hormonal treatments as effective as hormonal medications?

Are non-hormonal treatments effective and safe for women treated for breast oruterine cancer?

Is there any over-the-counter non-hormonal treatment for EM/POI?

Is EM associated with weight gain?

What is the ideal weight for me?

Can a healthy diet prevent or treat signs of EM/POI?

Is there one best diet for EM?

Should I stop smoking?

Do I need to reduce alcohol intake?

Do I need to follow a regular exercise?

Do I need to see a dietician?

Do complementary therapies (such as traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture and lifestyle changes) help to relieve menopause symptoms?

Can complementary treatments prevent bone loss and heart disease?

Are complementary treatments safe?

Are there over-the-counter products available for EM/POI?

Should I see a complementary practitioner?

Is there an EM/POI support group?

How can I get support from other people?

How often should I see my doctor (GP, specialist)?

How do I find a health professional that has a particular interest in EM/POI?