Premature ovarian failure - The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a disorder characterized by loss of normal function of the ovaries before age 40. The ovaries stop producing normal levels of the hormone estrogen, which causes symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Some key points about POF:

• It affects about 1% of women under age 40.
• The cause is often unknown, but can include genetics, autoimmune disorders, infections, cancer treatment, and more.
• Diagnosis is typically made by blood tests showing high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and often includes hormone replacement therapy.

If you've been diagnosed with POF, the knowledgeable physicians at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic can help. We specialize in hormone balance and replacement therapy for women with ovarian issues and menopause. Contact us today to learn about our individualized treatment plans to help you feel your best.

Some key facts about POF:

• Symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, fertility problems, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and more.
• It can occur suddenly or gradually over several years. About 10% of women still have occasional ovulation.
• Risk factors include family history, autoimmune disorders, genetics, cancer treatment, smoking, viruses, and more.

The major complication of POF is infertility. Unfortunately, most women with POF will be unable to have children without assistance. Options may include:

• Egg donation - Using donated eggs from another woman that can be fertilized with your partner's sperm.
• Embryo adoption - Adopting an embryo created from another couple's eggs and sperm.
• Fertility preservation - Freezing eggs, embryos or ovarian tissue before cancer treatment or early menopause.

While there's no cure for POF, the good news is symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Staying active, maintaining healthy nutrition, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are all recommended. HRT with estrogen and often testosterone can help significantly with symptoms while protecting bone, brain, heart, and sexual health.

The board-certified medical providers at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic specialize in hormone balance and replacement therapy for women. We provide customized HRT programs to help women with POF and early menopause thrive. Contact us for a consultation - first visit is free for new patients!

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