Premature ovarian failure

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition characterized by loss of normal function of the ovaries before age 40. The ovaries stop producing normal levels of the hormone estrogen, which can cause symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Some key points about POF:

• It affects about 1% of women under age 40. The cause is often unknown.
• While pregnancy is often difficult, it is sometimes possible with POF. About 5-10% of women with POF can still conceive.
• Treatments focus on managing symptoms and often include hormone replacement therapy.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of POF is irregular or missed menstrual cycles. Other symptoms can include:

• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Infertility
• Loss of bone density

Around menopause, estrogen levels drop. But with POF this hormone loss happens much earlier. Lack of estrogen causes problems like infertility and health issues linked to estrogen loss.

Causes

Doctors often can't pinpoint the exact cause of POF. Known causes include:

• Genetic conditions like Turner syndrome and fragile X syndrome
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Infections
• Metabolic disorders like thyroid disease

In about 75% of POF cases, no specific cause is identified. This is termed idiopathic POF.

Diagnosis and Treatment

POF is diagnosed with blood tests to measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Imaging and genetic testing can help determine if there is an underlying cause.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and health risks from low estrogen levels:

• Hormone therapy, usually with estrogen/progestin pills or patches, replaces missing hormones. This helps symptoms and protects bone health.
• Infertility treatment may be attempted, but chances of success are low. Using donor eggs increases odds of conception.
• Osteoporosis medications like bisphosphonates help maintain bone density.
• Screening for heart disease, cholesterol, and diabetes is important long-term.

The specialists at Vitality Renewal Clinic provide advanced hormone testing and evidence-based hormone replacement regimens tailored to your unique needs. If you've been diagnosed with POF, contact us today to discuss optimizing your health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

While often challenging to manage, POF treatment can successfully relieve symptoms and reduce future health risks. Early diagnosis, hormone therapy, and routine monitoring are key to the best outcomes.