QuestionHey ok so im more than likely probably over reacting! Ive been having hot flashes for years now ! I didn't know until lately thats what they were ! Theyre getting worse and lasting longer especially at night when they sometimes last for an hour ! I also have a lot of vaginal dryness ! I haven't had my period for the last 5 months maybe more ! It's never been regular since I got my first period when I was 11! I googled these things and menopause kept coming up ! But I can't have menopause I'm only 17 ! Right?? What will happen if it is menopause ? Will I not be able to have kids when I'm older ? Please help I'm kinda freaked out !
AnswerHello Kate from the U.K.,
There is a disorder called "premature ovarian failure" a form of very early menopause where the ovaries prematurely stop functioning. But, I don't think that is your problem. You have an ovarian dysfunction. Something is causing your ovaries to not work properly. The most common cause is called Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), but there are other problems including hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal problems. In order to be treated appropriately, you need to undergo an evaluation with a reproductive specialist or gynecologic knowledgeable in endocrine disorders.
This is not something you want to put off. There are long term side effects that can occur from having a hormonal imbalance including excess facial and chest hair, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, vaginal shrinkage, infertility, heart disease. So, I would strongly recommend that you seek out treatment.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
