Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure is the medical term used to describe early menopause.

Menopause usually occurs in women between the ages of 42 and 56. Premature ovarian failure (early menopause) is a condition in which menopause occurs before the age of 40. Women who develop early menopause usually have run out of eggs in their ovaries. The cause of premature ovarian failure is generally unknown. However, there are a few reasons why the ovaries may stop producing eggs at an early age. Exposure to certain chemicals or medical treatments can damage or destroy the ovaries. These may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are sometimes associated with early menopause because the immune system forms antibodies that attack and damage the ovaries. Heredity can also play a role—some genetic disorders lead to early menopause.

How premature ovarian failure is diagnosed

Your medical history is important in diagnosing premature ovarian failure. However, other tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. You may need one or more of the following blood tests:

FSH blood level—a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood at a specific time in your cycle may indicate menopause
Immunology testing— tests that diagnose autoimmune problems of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland that may be related to early menopause
Karyotype—a photograph of your chromosomes, used to diagnose genetic causes of early menopause

Questions & Answers

Q. What are common symptoms of early menopause?
A. You may experience menstrual irregularity, hot flashes, mood changes, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness.

Q. What treatments are available to me?
A. In vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor oocytes (eggs from a fertile woman) is an option you may want to consider if you wish to become pregnant.

Q. Are there any long-term risks associated with early menopause?
A. Yes. Your ovaries are not producing enough estrogen to protect you from heart disease and osteoporosis (loss of bone density). You can reduce your risks for these diseases with hormone replacement therapy, calcium supplements, and regular exercise.

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Ovulatory Dysfunction

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Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Dysfunction