Early Menopause: The Physical and Emotional Toll

Menopause, with its hot flashes, memory lapses and mood swings, is no walk in the park. But early menopause, also known as "premature ovarian failure," can take a heavy emotional toll, according to Sheryl Kingsberg, a psychologist specializing in women's health and fertility. Beyond the shock of becoming "post-menopausal" while same-aged peers are starting families, the sudden drop in estrogen prompts wrinkles and plumps waistlines, Kingsberg said. It can also cause osteoporosis and "vulvovaginal atrophy" -- the thinning and drying of the vagina.

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