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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffPremature ovarian failure refers to a loss of normal function of your ovaries before the age of 40. If your ovaries fail, they don't produce eggs or normal amounts of the hormone estrogen — which can lead to infertility and other problems.
Premature ovarian failure is sometimes referred to as premature menopause, but the two conditions are not exactly the same: Women with premature menopause stop having periods, while women with premature ovarian failure may have sporadic periods for years — and may even become pregnant.
When premature ovarian failure does cause infertility, however, fertility treatment is unlikely to be successful. Restoring estrogen levels helps prevent other complications of premature ovarian failure, such as osteoporosis.
Symptoms- Cedars M, et al. Premature ovarian failure. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2008;93:i.
- Do I have premature ovarian failure (POF)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/pof/sub1.cfm#what. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Lobo RA. Menopause: Endocrinology, consequences of estrogen deficiency, effects of hormone replacement therapy, treatment regimens. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112160892-5/778264621/1524/277.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50045-5--cesec1_1347. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Welt CK. Pathogenesis and causes of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Bulun SE, et al. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112160892-6/778264621/1555/106.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50018-2--cesec91_1490. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Kalu E, et al. Spontaneous premature ovarian failure: Management challenges. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2008;24:273.
- Nelson LM, et al. Evaluation of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Nelson LM, et al. Management of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
