Why Chronic Fatigue Is Linked to Early Menopause
For many women, life can get incredibly difficult after age 40. Not only is this the time when menopause often begins (between 45 and 55 years old), but it is also when most cases of chronic fatigue occur. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is most common among women in their forties, and it affects four times as many women as men. It is usually characterized by persistent joint and muscle pain, sleep problems, and memory problems. Since these are linked with other health issues, CFS can be difficult to diagnose.
Connections of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Early Menopause
The exact cause of CFS is unclear, but new research may pave the way toward pinning it down. A recent study by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention showed a link between CFS and early menopause. They took a sample of 84 women with chronic fatigue and compared them with a control group of 73 healthy women. Some of the results were as follows:
- 74% of women with chronic fatigue had increased menstrual bleeding, versus 42% of healthy women.
- 49% of women with chronic fatigue had extra bleeding between periods, versus 23% of healthy women.
- Women with CFS were twelve times more likely to experience pelvic pain unrelated to menstruation.
- Increased chances of missed periods: 38% versus 22%
- 55% versus 19% had hysterectomies, most of which were due to bleeding for women with CFS.
- 57% versus 26% used hormones for non-birth control purposes, such as for menopausal symptoms.
- Hysterectomy-related menopause was up among women with chronic fatigue, at 62% versus 33%.
Chronic Fatigue Linked to Early Menopause?
Overall, the study showed a heavy link between chronic fatigue and early menopausal symptoms. Many of these also seem to be linked to hysterectomy-related menopause. However, it is unclear whether chronic fatigue necessarily leads to more hysterectomies—and subsequent early menopause—in and of itself. There also seemed to be no significant difference between women with chronic fatigue and women in the control group when it came to natural menopause, even though those afflicted by chronic fatigue tended to go through menopause earlier.
While the study indicates that there is a link between chronic fatigue and early menopause, it is still not certain which leads to which. More research will be needed in order to determine what exactly causes this link. In any case, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic fatigue, then your chances may be higher of going through an early menopause, especially if you are experiencing pelvic pain. Also, early menopausal symptoms may be a sign of chronic fatigue themselves.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
While it may be hard to determine the reason of CFS in some women, many women may be experience the above symptoms due to irregular hormones. In many cases, chiropractic care may help regulate hormones. The spine and nervous system are so closely related that a subluxation in the spine can affect the nervous system. Not only is that true, but also the nervous system has a large impact on hormones and reproductive system. Stop by The Joint today for a wellness adjustment that may help balance your hormones and help you fight fatigue.