Premature ovarian failure - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. This results in menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods or missed periods.

Some key points about POF:

• It affects about 1% of women under age 40, and 0.1% under age 30
• The cause is often unknown, but can involve autoimmune disorders, genetics, chemotherapy drugs, infections, or injuries
• Women with POF typically have low estrogen levels and high FSH levels on blood tests
• The condition is generally permanent, but in some cases ovaries may later show intermittent function
• Infertility is common though pregnancy is possible in 5-10% of women

Some treatment options for POF include:

• Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen/progestin to relieve menopausal symptoms
• Egg or embryo donation for women who wish to become pregnant
• Counseling and support groups

If you or a loved one are struggling with POF, the caring physicians at Hormone Harmony Clinic are here to help. Our integrative approach combines bioidentical hormone therapy with nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consult today to discuss your treatment options and take back control of your health.

Now let's dive deeper into some key aspects of POF:

What are the symptoms of POF?

As mentioned, POF causes menopause-like symptoms. The most common include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats that disrupt sleep
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Irregular or missed periods

Many women also struggle with emotional symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating. Some experience heart palpitations, joint pain, headaches, and loss of bone density over time.

What causes premature ovarian failure?

In about 30-40% of cases no underlying cause is found. But known causes include:

• Autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks ovarian tissue
• Genetic conditions like Turner syndrome and fragile X syndrome
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Infections like mumps or TB that damage the ovaries
• Cancer treatments like radiation, chemotherapy drugs, or surgery removing reproductive organs
• Metabolic disorders like thyroid disease
• Damage to ovaries from injury, excessive exercise, or lacking periods for long stretches

Can you get pregnant with POF?

Unfortunately most women with premature ovarian failure are infertile due to low ovarian reserve. The ovaries do not produce enough viable eggs for fertilization and embryo formation to occur.

However, about 5-10% of women still ovulate intermittently and pregnancy is possible. Using donor eggs also allows women with POF to experience pregnancy through IVF. Young women with POF should use protection during sex since about half will ovulate sporadically.

I hope this overview on POF gives you a better understanding of this complex disorder. Remember you are not alone and support is available. The caring medical team at Hormone Harmony Clinic is deeply experienced in all aspects of reproductive health - reach out today to take control of your path forward!