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premature ovarian failure (POF)

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is also called early menopause. This term refers to a condition where the ovary stops ovulating earlier than is normal. The average age range for menopause is between 45 and 55. Women under 40 who permanently stop ovulating regularly are considered prematurely menopausal.

symptoms

Women may experience symptoms of menopause, or may be asymptomatic. Menstrual cycles may change in quantity, duration or regularity or may stop completely. This condition may be inaccurately cited as the cause of ovulatory disorders in women who are in their later childbearing years.

cause

In up to 50% of POF cases the cause is unknown. In the remaining 50% the cause may be one of the following:

  • Genetics (missing part of an X chromosome, extra X chromosome)
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Cancer treatments (radiation therapy or chemotherapy)
  • Surgery
  • Toxins
  • Metabolic disorders

treatment

Once a woman becomes menopausal and no longer ovulates, she cannot use her own eggs. However, in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor eggs can be done using her partner's sperm to produce embryos.

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