Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This results in infertility and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
The causes of premature ovarian failure are varied but often unknown. Some potential factors are genetics, autoimmune disorders, infections, previous surgery or radiation, and chromosomes abnormalities. About 1% of women will experience POF before age 40.
Some key signs and symptoms of POF include:
- Irregular or missed menstrual cycles
- Decreased fertility and inability to conceive
- Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes despite young age
- Vaginal dryness, decreased libido
- Night sweats and trouble sleeping
To diagnose POF, doctors will typically check follicle stimulating hormone (
FSH) levels with a blood test.
FSH levels >40 mIU/mL on two tests 4-6 weeks apart indicates ovarian failure/POF. They may also test antral follicle count with ultrasound.
Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and attempting to prolong fertility if desired.
Hormone therapy with estrogen or combined estrogen/progestin helps minimize menopause symptoms. Egg freezing at a younger age can preserve fertility. In vitro fertilization with donor eggs is also sometimes an option.
The team at
Balance Hormone Clinic specializes in POF and early menopause management. We provide cutting-edge hormone therapies and fertility preservation options to help women struggling with POF/POI live symptom-free, empowered lives on their own terms. Our compassionate providers partner with each patient to develop a personalized plan.
"We understand this diagnosis can feel devastating and difficult," says Dr. Smith of Balance Hormone Clinic,
"but many options exist today to optimize health, wellbeing and quality of life." Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation!
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premature ovarian failure was helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions.