Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also called primary ovarian insufficiency, occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working before the age of 40, and it can develop as early as the teenage years. It is not the same as premature menopause, which is when periods stop before the age of 40. Women with POF may still have their periods but they may be irregular. Women with premature ovarian failure may have few or no eggs, or have eggs that do not develop properly, and they may experience menopause-like symptoms, and have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Causes of POF

For most women, the cause of POF is unknown; however, there are a few conditions that may increase the risk of premature ovarian failure.

• Genetics
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Immune system disorders
• Eating disorders
• Viral infection
• Radiation or chemotherapy treatment
• Hysterectomy
• Turner Syndrome

Symptoms of POF

Women with premature ovarian failure often experience menopause-like symptoms, including:

• Irregular periods or no period
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Vaginal dryness
• Low sex drive

Diagnosis of POF

If you believe you are experiencing premature ovarian failure, your health care provider will perform a physical examination, a pregnancy test, and blood tests to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. He or she will also check your blood level for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). High levels of this hormone, which signals your body to release an egg each month, may be a sign of POF.

Treatments for POF

The symptoms associated with premature ovarian failure are usually treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or oral contraceptive pills. Unfortunately, there are no treatments currently available to help restore ovary function or fertility for someone with POF. However, many women with POF are still able to experience pregnancy. A small number of women with POF are able to conceive naturally because they are still producing some eggs, while others choose to become pregnant with donor eggs.

Contact a Fertility Expert in Your Area

If you and your partner are experiencing fertility problems, it is important to speak with a fertility expert who can determine the causes and suggest the appropriate treatments. Use DocShop's online directory to find a fertility expert near you and schedule an appointment today.