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 amenorrhea (lack of periods) as well as infertility and other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Some key points about POF:
“My periods became irregular in my late 20s then stopped altogether. After seeing my doctor, I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. It was a shock but my doctor put me on hormone replacement which has helped with my symptoms."
If you've been diagnosed with POF, rest assured that you have options. Hormone replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms and reduce risks like bone loss. Staying healthy through diet, exercise, and stress management is also important.
And at New Beginnings HRT Clinic(), our caring staff specializes in hormonal conditions like POF. We provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help women regain balance, health and quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options!
Some key questions on POF:
What are the symptoms of premature ovarian failure?
Common symptoms include menstrual irregularity or lack of periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, decreased sex drive, and fertility problems. Blood tests for hormone levels can confirm the diagnosis.
What causes premature ovarian failure?
In about 50% of cases, the cause is unknown. Other times it is due to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, infections, enzymes issues, or treatments like chemotherapy drugs. More research is still needed on causes.
What is the treatment for premature ovarian failure?
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through hormone replacement with estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes synthetic hormones are used but customized bioidentical hormones can provide a more natural fit. Maintaining bone health through diet, exercise and calcium is also important. Talk to your doctor about your options.
I hope this overview on premature ovarian failure gives you a better understanding of this complex condition. While there is currently no cure, good symptom management is possible through hormone therapy and healthy lifestyle measures. Support groups can also help women connect with others going through the same issues. Let me know if you have any other questions!