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 diminished ovarian reserve and impacts fertility and overall health in young women.
Some key points about POF:
- It is diagnosed by blood tests showing high FSH levels along with irregular/absent periods before age 40.
- Around 1% of women under 40 are affected, but prevalence rises to 5-10% for women under 30 with amenorrhea.
- Causes can include genetics, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy/radiation, or be idiopathic.
- Main symptoms are irregular periods, infertility, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats.
- Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like osteoporosis. Hormone therapy with estrogen/progestin is commonly used.
- There is a small chance of conception naturally depending on remaining ovarian function. Other options are donor eggs or embryo adoption.
I hope this gives you a good overview on POF. Do leave any other questions you may have in the comments!