Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is the medical term used to describe early menopause. Typical menopause occurs in people between the ages of 42 and 56. In the case of people who have premature ovarian failure, they experience menopause before the age of 40 and usually run out of eggs in their ovaries.

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Helpful info
Egg freezing
Donor egg treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Ovarian reserve testing

Indicators of premature ovarian failure

Symptoms

  • Irregularity in menstrual cycles
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes
  • Loss of libido
  • Vaginal dryness

Causes

The cause of premature ovarian failure is generally unknown. However, there are a few reasons why the ovaries may experience a decrease in egg supply at an early age, such as:

  • Exposure to certain medications or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can damage or destroy the ovaries.
  • A diagnosis of an autoimmune disease.
  • A family history of early menopause can also play a role as some genetic conditions lead to premature failure of the ovaries.
  • A diagnosis of thyroid disease and/or diabetes.

Diagnostic testing for premature ovarian failure

Your medical history is important in diagnosing premature ovarian failure. However, your physician may need other tests to confirm the diagnosis such as:

  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A high level of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood at a specific time in your cycle may indicate menopause.
  • Immunology testing: Tests that diagnose autoimmune problems of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland that may be related to developing early menopause.
  • Karyotype: A photograph of your chromosomes that’s used to diagnose genetic causes of early menopause.

Treatment for premature ovarian failure

While we cannot reverse the effects of premature ovarian failure, there are still several treatment options to help aid in conception. Depending on the size of your remaining egg supply, your physician may recommend either in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either your own eggs or donor eggs. While success may be possible using your own eggs, the best results will come when using the eggs of a donor.

When a decrease in ovarian supply is identified early, a woman may want to consider egg freezing at Shady Grove Fertility as it provides a reliable option for the future. By freezing your eggs before the egg supply is nearly depleted, you can extend your fertility potential for when you are ready to have a family. However, people with diagnosed premature ovarian failure are not eligible for egg freezing.

FAQs

Your ovaries aren’t producing enough estrogen to protect you from heart disease and osteoporosis (loss of bone density). You can reduce your risks for these diseases with hormone replacement therapy, calcium supplements, and regular exercise.

Success stories from patients with premature ovarian failure

Patient Story

Cindy & Andrew

Heidi & Sean

Patient Story

Heidi & Sean

Patient Story

Mary & Jim

Holly & Jeff

Patient Story

Holly & Jeff

How to get started

Shady Grove Fertility has treatment options to help almost everyone build the family of their dreams. And it all starts with one call:

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