Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition where a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This results in infertility and early menopause.
Some key facts about POF:
| Fact |
Details |
| Prevalence |
Affects around 1% of women under the age of 40 |
| Main Symptom |
Irregular or missed periods |
| Other Symptoms |
Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats |
| Types |
Spontaneous POF (genetic factors or autoimmune disorders) and Induced POF (medical treatments) |
| Diagnosis |
Blood tests measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels |
| Treatment |
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms |
Several factors can increase the risk of developing POF:
| Risk Factor |
Description |
| Genetic Factors |
Family history of POF, certain genetic disorders |
| Autoimmune Diseases |
Thyroid disease, Addison's disease, diabetes |
| Infections |
Mumps, tuberculosis, malaria, shingles |
| Medical Treatments |
Radiation and chemotherapy for cancer |
The diagnosis of POF can be devastating for young women planning families. The inability to have biological children can severely impact one's mental health and relationships. Seeking support from counselors, therapists, or support groups can help cope with the diagnosis.
While POF patients have a 5-10% chance of conceiving naturally, most will need to consider donor eggs or adoption. With advances in IVF, pregnancy may still be possible for many women.
At Restore Hormone Clinic, we have helped numerous women with premature ovarian failure get their lives back with custom hormone replacement regimens. Our compassionate doctors provide counseling and develop treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. We understand this diagnosis can be overwhelming, but our goal is to help you navigate it every step of the way. Call us today to schedule a consultation.