15-year-old girl experiences premature menopause, regrets overlooking 3 warning signs 2 years ago
“I felt happy and relieved at the time, not knowing that it was a sign of a disease that would change my life,” British Annabelle Gauntlet said with sadness.
Annabelle Gauntlet will never forget the day she received the เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย news that she was entering menopause. She was only 15, not yet fully conceivable, but faced with the harsh reality that most women face when they hit their 40s.
It all started two years ago, when Annabelle was 13. Her period suddenly stopped, along with hot flashes and mood swings. At first, she was glad to be free from the painful menstrual cramps, but despite her mother’s concerns, Annabelle ignored these three warning signs.
As time passed, her body began to show more and more obvious and severe symptoms. Annabelle often felt hot, like she was wrapped in plastic wrap, could not breathe, and sweated constantly. The hot flashes occurred 30 to 40 times a day, leaving her feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Her friends liked to tease her by calling her “tomato” because her face would turn red when she felt hot.
Not only that, Annabelle also suffered from chronic insomnia, memory loss, unexplained stress, and mood swings. She became irritable over small things, such as her father’s loud chewing. When she first went to the doctor, these symptoms were overlooked and she was misdiagnosed as an eating disorder.
After medication failed to help, Annabelle visited a women’s health specialist and was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (POI), which caused her to experience menopause at a young age. She was devastated to learn that she would not be able to have children naturally. Because she had no more eggs left. Her dreams of becoming a mother were shattered when she was just 15 years old.
Signs of Premature Ovarian Failure and Its Severe Effects
Premature ovarian failure can occur in anyone before the age of 40 and causes alarming signs that, if not recognized and treated promptly, can lead to a number of serious consequences.
Signs of premature ovarian failure include:
- Irregular or absent periods: This is the first sign that is often overlooked. As many people assume it is due to stress or temporary physiological changes.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Feeling hot from the inside, flushing and sweating regardless of the temperature, whether in cold or hot weather.
- Insomnia, brain fog: People with premature ovarian failure often have trouble sleeping, wake up in the middle of the night, and have trouble concentrating and remembering things.
- Mood swings: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and rapid mood changes.
- Vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive: Due to the significant decrease in estrogen levels, there is discomfort in the sexual life.
The worrying thing is that many people are still not aware of the seriousness of premature ovarian failure, like Annabelle, who was devastated when her doctor explained the problems she was facing due to the condition.
“If I had gone to the doctor earlier (when my period disappeared). I would have felt so happy and relieved not knowing that it was a sign of a disease that would change my life,” she said.
In fact, premature ovarian failure not only causes missed periods or affects fertility. But also has negative effects on your appearance and health in many ways.
The effects of premature ovarian failure are as follows:
- Infertility: Premature ovarian failure results in the loss of the ability to ovulate, leading to natural infertility.
- Premature osteoporosis: Estrogen deficiency reduces bone density, increasing the risk of fractures at a young age.
- Cardiovascular disease: Estrogen plays a role in protecting the heart and blood vessels. When levels of estrogen decline, the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease increases.
- Memory loss: Brain fog, reduced ability to concentrate and remember, which can lead to early onset dementia.
- Aging: Dry, sagging skin, premature wrinkles due to loss of collagen. Hair loss is more likely, making the appearance look older.
- Mental health deterioration: Mood instability, depression, and persistent stress severely impact quality of life.
Annabelle’s story is an important reminder that abnormal signs in the body should not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a medical professional immediately for advice and treatment.