Premature ovarian failure

What is premature ovarian failure?

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 amenorrhea (lack of periods) as well as infertility due to low estrogen levels and lack of ovulation.

Some key points about POF:

• It affects ~1% of women under age 40, or 1 in 100 women


• The exact causes are often unknown, but can include genetics, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy treatment, infections, etc.


• Symptoms include irregular/missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving


• It is not reversible, but in some cases ovarian function may spontaneously resume temporarily


• Women with POF have a higher risk for other health issues like osteoporosis

If you are struggling with POF or suspect you may have it, don't lose hope! The compassionate physicians at Hormone Revive specialize in helping women optimize their hormonal health at any age. Their individualized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy programs can help minimize POF symptoms and risks. Contact them today to schedule your consultation!

Now onto some key questions and answers about POF:

What are the symptoms of premature ovarian failure?

The hallmark POF symptoms are amenorrhea and infertility. Other symptoms reflecting estrogen deficiency include:

• Hot flashes


• Vaginal dryness


• Night sweats


• Difficulty conceiving

Mood changes and pain during intercourse are also common complaints.

What causes premature ovarian failure?

Some potential causes of premature ovarian insufficiency include:

• Genetic factors - family history increases risk


• Autoimmune disorders


• Viral infections like mumps that affect the ovaries


• Chemotherapy or radiation damaging ovarian follicles


• Chromosomal abnormalities

In many cases, no specific cause is identified.

I hope this overview on POF and what causes it helps provide some insight into this complex disorder that affects far too many women. Let me know if you have any other questions!