Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Treatment
What is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Ovarian insufficiency, also known as primary ovarian failure, is a rare illness when your ovaries cease producing eggs before the age of 40. It results in irregular menstrual cycles and frequently impairs fertility.
Around the age of 40, many women naturally suffer decreased fertility. As individuals approach menopause, they may begin having irregular menstrual cycles. Reduced fertility and irregular periods begin before the age of 40 for women with POI.
Healthcare professionals typically do not know what causes primary ovarian insufficiency. Other reasons for POI include:
- Autoimmune diseases, including thyroiditis
- A low number of follicles
- Genetic disorders
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Toxins, such as smoking and chemicals
What are the symptoms of POI?
The most typical indication of POI is irregular or skipped menstruation. Some sufferers of primary ovarian insufficiency show no symptoms at all. Additional signs can include:
- Trouble getting pregnant.
- Painful sex due to vaginal dryness.
- Irregular or missed periods.
- Decreased sex drive.
- Irritability.
- Vaginal dryness.
Who is at risk for POI?
The following elements can increase a woman’s risk of POI:
- Family History: POI is more prevalent in women who have a family history of the condition.
- Age: POI can occur in younger women, but between the ages of 35 and 40, it becomes more prevalent.
- Certain diseases and treatments: Certain illnesses, including viral infections and autoimmune disorders, as well as cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation therapy
How is POI treated?
Doctors handle POI in various ways. Your age, your symptoms, and your desire to become pregnant all play a role. Treatment for primary ovarian insufficiency involves:
- Addressing underlying issues that make POI symptoms worse.
- Treating the signs or consequences of POI, such as vaginal dryness.
- Reducing your chance of developing diseases that POI causes.
- Substituting for hormones that your ovaries are no longer able to make.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Your body receives the hormones it lacks from hormone treatment. If you are receiving hormone therapy, you could take simply estrogen and progesterone. The symptoms of POI, including night sweats and vaginal dryness, might be lessened with hormone treatment. You will also be less likely to develop osteoporosis and other problems that POI may bring on.
Complications of POI
Estrogen levels decrease in those with POI. You run the chance of developing further illnesses like:
- Heart disease
- Infertility
- Depression or anxiety
- Osteoporosis
