Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning properly before age 40. This results in irregular periods or missed periods, reduced fertility, and menopause-like symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Some key points about POF:
- It impacts around 1% of women under age 40. The cause is often unknown.
- Main signs are absent or irregular menstrual cycles. Blood tests will show high FSH and low estrogen levels.
- POF can rarely be reversed, so most women will be unable to conceive naturally. But pregnancy is still possible with donor eggs or possibly the woman's own eggs.
- Around 5-10% of women with POF can still conceive naturally during ovulation. So contraception is still needed if pregnancy is not desired.
- Hormone therapy with estrogen/progesterone can help manage symptoms and reduce bone loss if periods remain absent.
- Emotional support is important in coping with this difficult diagnosis. Connecting with support groups can help.
So in summary, POF causes the ovaries to stop working well before the natural menopause years. It impacts fertility and brings difficult symptoms. Testing hormone levels and ruling out other possible causes is important. Though treatment options are limited, hormone therapy can help. Reaching out for support is advised when dealing with this diagnosis at a young age.
How is POF diagnosed?
POF is diagnosed with blood tests for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen levels. FSH will be elevated while estrogen is low when ovulation is not occurring properly. Repeat testing is done to confirm. Pelvic ultrasounds can check ovarian size and follicle health as well.
What causes premature ovarian failure?
In many cases, no specific cause is found. But potential reasons include:
- Genetic factors and family history
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy/radiation
- Infections like malaria or tuberculosis
- Metabolic issues like thyroid disorder
- Enzyme deficiencies
- Ovarian surgery/removal
The cause guides treatment options. Genetic counseling may be recommended for some women after diagnosis.
What is the life expectancy for a woman with POF?
Women with premature ovarian failure generally have normal life expectancies. The condition itself does not impact how long someone lives. However, there may be associated health risks to manage like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease if hormone levels remain low long-term. Good screening and preventative care helps detect and treat any problems early.