Premature ovarian failure - BalancePoint Wellness

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure, is a condition where a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In POI, this function ceases prematurely, leading to a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

The main symptoms of POI include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased libido

Causes of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

The exact cause of POI is often unknown, but several factors may contribute:

• Genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Ovarian surgery
• Infections such as mumps or tuberculosis

Treatment for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

While there's no cure for POI, various treatments can manage symptoms and potential long-term effects:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs, for women wishing to conceive.
• Bone-strengthening medications, such as bisphosphonates, to help maintain bone health due to the increased risk of osteoporosis associated with low estrogen levels.

POI is a complex condition, but with appropriate treatment from a medical professional, women can effectively manage symptoms and potentially preserve fertility. For more information or treatment options, please consult with BalancePoint Wellness.