Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. It results in diminished ovarian reserve and impacts fertility.
Key Points:
- Causes: Genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, infections, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, or unexplained reasons.
- Symptoms: Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving, etc.
- Diagnosis: Hormone levels (FSH, estradiol), number of remaining eggs, imaging tests, and genetic testing.
- Treatment: Hormone therapy for symptom relief, egg freezing for fertility preservation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a gestational carrier.
- Outlook: Depends on the cause and age at diagnosis. Unexplained POF may have spontaneous ovarian function recovery in some cases. Most cases are irreversible, requiring lifestyle adjustments and medical care for overall well-being.
If you have additional questions, feel free to ask. Taking one step at a time with the right information and support can help in coping with this condition. Wishing you the very best!