Premature ovarian failure - Renewal Hormone Center

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. This results in menopause-like symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats.

Some key points about POF:

• It impacts ~1% of women under age 40 and 1 in 10 women under age 30 with amenorrhea (lack of periods).
• The exact causes are often unknown but can include genetics, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy treatment, radiation therapy, or infections.
• Many women with POF can still get pregnant naturally or through IVF treatments using donor eggs. About 5-10% may ovulate intermittently.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone can help relieve menopausal symptoms and preserve bone health.

I highly recommend any women experiencing irregular cycles under age 40 get their follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level tested. An FSH level over 25-40 mIU/mL can indicate impaired ovarian function. Seeing a reproductive endocrinologist for proper diagnosis is key.

In summary, POF is a complex disorder marked by early ovarian decline. While challenging, women can advocate for their health through proper testing and by finding an empathetic medical team to address their symptoms and fertility goals. There are solutions - stay hopeful!