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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffA diagnosis of premature ovarian failure can bring on overwhelming feelings of loss for the children you'd planned to have someday. This is the case even for women who have already been pregnant and given birth to children. Grief is a normal feeling for women during this time.
To better cope:
- Be open with your partner. Talk with and listen to your partner as you both share your feelings over this unexpected change in your plans for growing your family.
- Explore your options. If you wish to have more children, look into alternatives to expand your family such as donor-egg in-vitro fertilization or adoption.
- Seek support. Talking with others who are going through the same thing can provide valuable insight and understanding during a time of confusion and uncertainty. Ask your doctor if he or she knows of any local support groups or seek out an online community as an outlet for your feelings and as a source of information.
- Avoid difficult or stressful situations. It's OK to decline an invitation to a baby shower or a child's birthday party if you just don't feel up to it.
- Share your news in your own way. You may choose to be upfront with people who ask about your child-rearing plans, or you may wish to maintain your privacy. Some women may find relief and reassurance by telling friends and family about their circumstances; others may feel that it's an intensely personal matter too difficult to discuss with anyone but their partner.
- Give yourself time. Coming to terms with your diagnosis is a gradual process. In the meantime, take extra good care of yourself by eating well, exercising and getting enough rest.
References
- 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.
