Premature Ovarian Failure
What is Premature Ovarian Failure?
Premature ovarian failure is a term describing failure of the ovaries to function normally in a woman under the age of 40. Other names for the problem are primary ovarian insufficiency, or hypergonadism. The failure to function normally is not to be confused with menopause.
Premature Ovarian Failure Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Low libido
- Painful intercourse
- Dry vagina
Diagnosing Premature Ovarian Failure
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Absence of menstrual altogether
- A blood test to measure follicle stimulation hormone
Causes of Premature Ovarian Failure
The cause is not clear, but for some reason the follicles in the ovaries cease to mature into eggs. If the follicles have a problem, they also stop forming the hormone estrogen, which is necessary for a woman’s good health. One of two scenarios may occur. A woman with follicle depletion has no follicles left and there is no way to make more. Or, the woman’s follicles do not mature into eggs.
Premature ovarian failure may be genetic. Somewhere between 10% to 20% for the woman who have the condition also have family members with the same problem. Other health problems created by premature ovarian failure are:
- Osteoporosis – Loss of bone density and strength. Getting enough exercise, vitamin D, and calcium can help reduce this risk.
- Addison’s disease – An autoimmune disorder in which the body has trouble handling physical stress, such as injury or illness, because of problems with the adrenal glands. About 3.2% of the women with premature ovarian failure also have Addison’s disease. This disease can be very dangerous, especially for women who do not realize the have it. Addison’s disease is not curable, but it is treatable.
- Low thyroid function – Affects metabolism and energy levels. This can be treated by replacement of the thyroid hormone.
- Heart disease – Reduce this risk by getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet for weight control, and getting estrogen replacement therapy.
It is important to know that women who are carriers for the gene for Fragile X syndrome, or have the premutation for it, are more likely than other women to get premature ovarian failure. If you are a Fragile X carrier, or have the premutation, it is very important to get tested for Premature Ovarian Failure.
Premature Ovarian Failure Treatment
There are no treatments for Premature Ovarian Failure. Once the follicles cease to mature into eggs, there is no way to reverse the problem. However, there are treatments that can help some of the symptoms.
