TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Traditional Chinese medicine physician Li He-chen (李和蓁) has said the environment and diet may cause premature ovarian failure, resulting in the earlier onset of menopause.

According to Li, a physician at Taipei Fertility Center (TFC), most women naturally experience menopause between 45 and 55 as a part of biological aging. However, changes in diet and environmental factors all influence hormone levels and have caused some women to experience early menopause, per Healthnews.

Li said primary ovarian insufficiency, known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before 40. Young women often mistake the condition for irregular periods, leading to delays in treatment. 

The symptoms of primary ovarian insufficiency are similar to those of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood instability, and even infertility, per Mayo Clinic. 

“Genetics, environment, skincare products, plastic items and exposure to organic chemicals potentially affect ovarian function,” Li said. “Additionally, health supplements that claim to make you look younger, such as placenta extract and royal jelly, can also affect hormone levels.”

Li added that yin-nourishing foods, such as wood ear mushrooms, black beans, and lily bulbs can help support the body's yin energy and promote ovarian health. Yin energy is said to be feminine energy from cool or passive environments. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments for this condition include herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion.