Premature Ovarian Failure: Causes, Signs, Treatments & More

Premature Ovarian Failure is a condition that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. It happens when the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40. This can also lead to changes in the menstrual cycle and fertility challenges. Many women are unaware of the signs or don’t realize how it can affect their chances to become pregnant. That’s why it’s important to understand this condition clearly.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a trusted Gynae and Senior IVF Specialist has supported many women who are facing early ovarian issues. In this blog, we will explain everything about Premature Ovarian Failure. We will explain its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and possible treatments.

What Is Premature Ovarian Failure?

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is also called Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).  It happens when a woman’s ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40. This means that her ovaries don’t release eggs regularly or stop making enough hormones like estrogen. These play a very important role for periods and pregnancy.

Even though it’s called “failure,” there are some women with POF who may still have irregular periods and might release an egg sometimes. However, it becomes harder for them to get pregnant naturally. This condition is not the same as early menopause but the symptoms can be similar.

How is it Different From Early Menopause?

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is not the same as early menopause. However both can cause periods to stop early and make it hard to get pregnant. In POF, the ovaries slow down or stop working before age 40. However sometimes, the ovaries may still work for a short period of time. That means there is still a rare chance of getting pregnant naturally.

In early menopause, the ovaries stop working completely before age 45. In this, periods do not come back and natural pregnancy is not possible.

So, the main difference is that with POF, there is still some chance that the ovaries can work again. But with early menopause, the ovaries shut down completely and do not start again.

Early Menopause and Infertility

Early menopause means that a woman’s periods stop before the age of 40. This happens when the ovaries stop working earlier than they should. Since the ovaries are no longer releasing eggs regularly, it becomes harder or even impossible to get pregnant naturally. That’s why early menopause is closely linked to infertility.

Many women don’t realize they are going through early menopause until they face issues in conceiving. The loss of egg supply and low hormone levels, especially estrogen, affect both fertility and overall health. However, there are options like hormone therapy and fertility treatments (such as IVF using donor eggs) that can help women to become mothers.

Premature Ovarian Failure Causes

Premature Ovarian Failure can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, doctors can find the cause but in many cases, the exact reason is not known. Here are some common causes of premature ovarian failure:

• Genetic problems: Some women are born with changes in their genes (like Turner syndrome or Fragile X). This can also affect how their ovaries work.
• Autoimmune issues: In some cases, the immune system affects the ovaries by mistake. This can damage the eggs and hormone production.
• Chemotherapy or radiation: Cancer treatments can harm the ovaries, especially if they’re given at a young age.
• Surgery on ovaries: Operations that remove or damage parts of the ovaries may also lead to early ovarian failure.
• Infections: Rare viral infections, like mumps, may also affect the ovaries and reduce their function.
• Family history: If someone in the family had POF then the chances of POF may be slightly higher.
• Unknown causes: In many women there’s no clear reason found and it just happens naturally without any warning.

Premature Ovarian Failure POF Symptoms

POF can cause a number of signs and changes in a woman’s body. Some women may notice some symptoms but others may not feel anything at first. Here are the most common POF symptoms:

• Irregular periods: Your periods may come and go, become very light, or stop completely.
• Trouble getting pregnant: You may find it hard to conceive naturally because the ovaries are not releasing eggs regularly.
• Hot flashes: You might feel a sudden feeling of heat, especially in the face and chest and it’s common.
• Night sweats: You may wake up in the night feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
• Vaginal dryness: This can cause itching, burning, or discomfort during sex.
• Low sex drive: You may feel less interested in sexual activity.
• Mood swings or sadness: You may experience hormone changes that can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
• Sleep problems: There are many women who find it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Premature Ovarian Failure Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Failure is not always simple. If a woman is under 40 and has irregular periods or is not getting pregnant then the doctor may suggest some tests to check how the ovaries are working.

Here are the common steps to find out if someone has POF:

• Medical History and Symptoms: The doctor will ask about your periods, symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, and any family history of early menopause or fertility problems.
• Physical Exam: A basic physical check-up will help the doctor to look for any signs of hormonal changes.

• Blood Tests:

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): High levels of this hormone may mean that the ovaries are not working well.
• Estrogen (E2): Low estrogen levels can be a sign of ovarian failure.
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): This test shows the number of eggs left in the ovaries (ovarian reserve). A low AMH means that there are fewer eggs.
• Thyroid and Prolactin Tests: These help to find out other reasons for missed periods.

• Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound checks the size of the ovaries and if there are any visible follicles (eggs).
• Genetic Testing: Sometimes, POF is linked to inherited conditions. Genetic tests can help find out if there’s a reason related to your DNA.
• Other Tests: In some cases, doctors may also do tests to check for autoimmune diseases, as these can also affect the ovaries.

Ovarian Failure Treatment Options

Premature Ovarian Failure can be difficult, especially for women who want to become mothers. However, this condition cannot be fully reversed but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.

Here are the common treatments for POF:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

This helps to replace the missing hormones (like estrogen and progesterone). This also helps to reduce symptoms like hot flashes and protect bone health.

• Fertility Treatment (IVF with Donor Eggs):

If someone wants to get pregnant then they can go for IVF and use eggs from a healthy donor.

• Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements:

These will help to keep the bones strong and also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which can happen due to low estrogen levels.

• Healthy Lifestyle Changes:

Eat well, exercise regularly, and manage stress to support your overall health and improve how you feel.

• Emotional Support or Counselling:

Talk to a mental health expert or join support groups to deal with the emotional impact of POF.

Final Words

Premature Ovarian Failure can be a difficult condition to understand and deal with for women who are trying to conceive. In this blog, we’ve talked about what POF is, how it is different from early menopause, its causes, symptoms, and more. It’s very important to know all this information to take the right steps early and explore ways to manage your fertility and health better.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has supported many women who have faced ovarian issues, including POF, with expert care and guidance. If you have any doubts or need help, feel free to contact us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the best treatment for premature ovarian failure?

Hormone therapy helps manage symptoms. For pregnancy, IVF with donor eggs is often suggested.

• Can a woman with premature ovarian failure get pregnant?

Yes, but it’s rare naturally. IVF using donor eggs is the most successful option.

• Can your ovaries start working again?

Sometimes they may work again for a short time, but it’s not common.

• Can premature ovarian failure reverse itself?

No, it usually doesn’t reverse. Treatment can only manage the symptoms.

• What are the symptoms of a dead ovary?

Signs include missed periods, hot flashes, dryness, and trouble getting pregnant.