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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of premature ovarian failure include:
- Irregular or skipped periods (amenorrhea)
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sexual desire
Sometimes women with premature ovarian failure experience erratic periods for years, while others first notice skipped periods after a pregnancy or after discontinuing birth control pills. The signs and symptoms of premature ovarian failure are similar to those experienced by a woman going through menopause and are typical of estrogen deficiency.
When to see a doctor
If you notice that you've skipped your period for three months or more, see your doctor to help determine what may be the cause. You may miss your period for a number of reasons — including pregnancy, stress, a change in diet or exercise habits or, rarely, cancer of the uterus — but it's best to get evaluated whenever your menstrual cycle changes.
A diagnosis of premature ovarian failure can be difficult to cope with, especially if you had plans to conceive a child. If you're feeling particularly depressed or anxious, consider seeking counseling with a mental health provider to help you sort through the emotional consequences of premature ovarian failure.
- 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.
