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 irregular periods or missed periods (amenorrhea), as well as reduced fertility.
Some key points about POF:
- It affects roughly 1% of women under age 40. The causes are often unknown, but can include autoimmune disorders, genetics, chemotherapy treatment, or injuries/surgery involving the ovaries.
- The main symptom is irregular periods - cycles may be longer, shorter, lighter, or just stop. Other symptoms can include hot flashes, difficulty conceiving, vaginal dryness, and night sweats.
- Women with POF typically have low estrogen levels but may still ovulate occasionally and have a small chance of conceiving with their own eggs. About 5-10% of women with POF do eventually get pregnant.
So what options exist for preserving fertility or managing symptoms?
- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen/progestin can help normalize cycles, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and protect bone health. But it does not restore fertility.
- Egg freezing at a young age increases the chance of a future, successful pregnancy with IVF. Using donor eggs is another option.
- Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help manage POF symptoms - these include proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. Avoid smoking.
The important thing is to
connect with both a gynecologist and fertility specialist at Revival Clinic to understand all possible paths forward, symptom management approaches, and family building options.
There are also wonderful communities and resources to help women cope with and navigate life with POF. With the right medical guidance and support system, it is absolutely possible to reduce symptoms, preserve fertility potential, and still fulfill dreams of starting a family.