premature ovarian failure

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also called premature menopause, is a general term used if a woman stops ovulating permanently, earlier than normal. The average age for menopause lies between 45 and 55. Women who experience the menopause under the age of 40 are said to have a premature menopause.

symptoms
cause
treatment

symptoms

Women might experience the classic menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night-sweats, but symptoms are not always present. The duration of the menstrual cycle can change, or the cycle may sometimes stop completely. If the mother or sister of a woman has suffered premature menopause, it is important to report this to your doctor, as it can run in families. Through a hormonal examination, your doctor can quickly check if you are experiencing a premature menopause or are approaching one.

cause

Quite often, no cause can be found for POF. However, the following causes should be ruled out:

Genetic (missing part of an X chromosome, extra X chromosome)
Auto-immune disease
Cancer treatment (radiation therapy or chemotherapy)
Surgery
Exposure to poisonous materials

treatment

If there is only a small reserve of ovaries and therefore a suspicion of premature menopause, then time is of the absolute essence and (test) fertility treatments must be commenced as soon as possible. If there is insufficient reaction from the ovaries to medication, then, regrettably, a woman’s own egg cells (ova) may not be able to be used and the use of donor eggs may be the only option if you want to become pregnant.

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