Premature ovarian failure is also defined as primary ovarian insufficiency, and it affects 1 in 100 women age under 40. The most shocking fact is that women aged between 15 to 29 are also affected by this, although the situation is 1 in 100 and rare, but remember, it does happen. Also, some women get confused between premature ovarian failure and menopause, but the major difference between them is, that POI occurs before the ’40s and unexpectedly, while menopause occurs due to age factors and happens after 50’s or late 40’s.
All women should know about pre-mature ovarian failure so that you can prevent it from happening. Although genetic mutation contributes to 40% of the cases, other factors hold the remaining percentage.
This article will help you explore pre-mature ovarian failure, its causes, symptoms, and treatment because education is to prevent it rather than sitting on a couch and blaming everything.
When ovaries started to fail earlier than average and were unable to produce eggs as they should be. Usually, this process happens near the menopause phase, around the late 40’s or early 50’s. However premature ovarian insufficiency abruptly occurs in some women, and diagnosis after months and years of irregular periods. Around 1% of women under age 40 have premature ovarian insufficiency, while 0.1% experience it before the age of 30.
Important note: According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, family history does influence the issue of POI, but it is not necessary. Due to infection, autoimmune disease, etc., primary ovarian insufficiency can happen, concluding that, it can be considered as sporadic (happen without genetic link).
These are thread-like structure that carries genes, which are crucial for cellular functions. Every woman is born with two X chromosomes, but due to altered X chromosomes, the issue of POI started, and this is called mosaic Turner syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is caused by an FMR1 gene mutation that results in FMRP deficiency, a protein important in brain development. Fragile X chromosome interferes with genetic stability and neurological, cognitive, and reproductive function. Fragile X syndrome can result in intellectual disabilities, speech delay, and in women, premature ovarian failure that interferes with fertility.
This is a rare disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue of the ovaries while making protective protein cells. This attacks sacs in the ovaries containing eggs called follicles. It also damages the production of hormones by impairing progesterone and estrogen production, which further leads to the failure of ovaries before its time has come. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, diabetes, and autoimmune polyglandar syndrome are some of the major causes.
– Cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been found to damage genetic material within ovarian cells.
– The therapies can promote follicle loss, resulting in premature menopause and sterility.
– Certain drugs like cyclophosphamide and cisplatin cause DNA damage, depleting ovarian reserve.
– Tobacco smoke has polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals (cadmium), and nicotine, which directly impact follicles.
– Smoking decreases estrogen levels, causing irregular cycles and premature ovarian aging.
– Long-term exposure enhances the risk of POI, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
– Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics and pesticides interfere with hormonal balance.
– Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates cause faster follicular depletion, leading to premature menopause.
– Chronic exposure may jeopardize egg quality and ovarian function, impairing fertility.
– Some viruses can initiate immune attacks on ovarian tissue, causing autoimmune-induced POI.
– Environmental toxins, such as industrial pollutants and heavy metals, cause oxidative damage that results in the death of ovarian cells.
Based on several studies, the exact factors are still unidentified, and often considered as idiopathic causes. In order to find the reason, doctors recommend to conduct tests to analyze the situation. More than 90% of the cases are diagnosed spontaneously and don’t have any determined underlying etiology.
Diagnosis
Follicle-stimulating hormones and estradiol level
Autoimmune dysfunction
Estrogen and progesterone-
POI happens because of estrogen and progesterone deficiency, and these contraceptives help in managing the symptoms of premature ovarian failure. Estrogen Therapy also prevents osteoporosis and relieves flashes of heat in low estrogen cases. While this treatment restores menses ovarian function cannot be reversed. With prolonged use in postmenopausal women, estrogen also adds risks of heart disease and breast cancer, but in young individuals with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the benefits outweigh the risks.
Combination hormones therapy-
This is usually given to treat menopausal symptoms and relieve vasomotor and other menopausal systematic issues. Through therapy, estrogen deficiency symptoms are relieved, maintain bone density, prevent from coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, atrophic vaginitis, dementia, and mood swings.
Supplements-
Calcium & Vitamin D Supplements aid in preserving bone density and help prevent osteoporosis, especially in case of low dietary intake. 1,000 mg/day calcium for women under 50, increasing to 1,200 mg over age 51. Vitamin D intake should be 800-1,000 IU/day, with adjustments according to blood tests.
In-vitro fertilization-
For women who want to have a baby in the future, IVF through an egg donor is an effective treatment. This bypasses the need for fertilization, as this is done by experts in the lab. Also, it reduces the risk of passing the genetic issues to the child.
Lifestyle modifications and self-care-
Living a healthy is very important, not just for women with POI but for everyone. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, drinking enough water, a balanced diet, and staying away from toxins, contribute to overall quality of life. Most importantly, if your family has a history of health issues, then it is your responsibility to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Difficulty in conceiving naturally is already overwhelming and having premature ovarian failure on top of that can be challenging. We, Aveya Fertility Centre understand that this is a tough situation, but getting the right treatment at the right time is very important.
Also, women, if you know someone in your blood relation or if you itself dealing with POI, you should not wait for the issue to kick in. It is better to visit fertility experts like Aveya Fertility Centre to understand your situation and minimize the risk. Apart from that, if you have queries, confusion, or dealing with reproductive health issues, it is a sign to visit an expert. Because nothing is more important than having a healthy life.
With the hope of a better future, book your consultation today!
What are the risks involved with premature ovarian failure?
Short-term risks include menopausal symptoms, and mood changes, while long-term risks are dementia, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, dry eye syndrome, infertility, and other health complications.
How to prevent myself?
It doesn’t happen because you did or didn’t do something, prevention is not likely. But still managing lifestyle choices and getting yourself checked from time to time can prevent you from getting affected.
What to do if I am experiencing POI symptoms?
Firstly, if you have a family history of the issue, then it is better to get yourself checked without any delay. Secondly, if you have any symptoms mentioned in the article and your period stops abruptly, then it is time to visit the gynecologist.
What are the options I have for family planning?
Women with primary ovarian insufficiency have a 5% to 10% chance of getting pregnant naturally. But if not, donor programs and IVF are some of the effective treatments. It is normal to get confused, that is why, experts like Aveya Fertility Centre are there you to guide and help you get what you deserve.
Is this reversible?
Generally, the health issue is permanent, because the condition makes ovaries stop functioning as they should.