Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 250,000 (about 1 in 100) women younger than the age of 40 in the United States every year. And researchers are unclear what’s keeping a woman's ovaries from functioning properly.
The most common symptoms of POI include the following:
Having POI also puts you at risk for other health conditions, some of them serious, including osteoporosis, low thyroid function, Addison’s disease and heart disease.
Research suggests the problem is with the follicles in the ovaries. Follicles release the hormone estrogen, which is important for a woman’s overall health and bone development. Women with POI fall into one of two groups: No follicles left in her ovaries and there is no way to make more; or she may have follicles in her ovaries, but they are not working properly.
Living with POI
While there is no treatment proven to restore normal function to a woman’s ovaries, your healthcare provider can suggest treatments for some of the symptoms of POI.
One of the most common treatments for women with POI is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). By giving your body the estrogen and other hormones your ovaries are not making, you can start having regular periods again. In addition, HRT may help women with POI lower their risk for the bone disease osteoporosis. Keep in mind, there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. There are both benefits and risks to it, depending on your symptoms and health history.
If you’re younger than 40 and your periods are irregular or absent for three or more months, talk with your doctor. He or she can test to see if you have POI.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Source: NICHD.NIH.gov
