Premature Ovarian Failure
At Fertility Specialists of Houston we believe it is essential for our patients to understand what is happening to them every step of the way. We want you to maintain a feeling of control about the process. After your initial consultation our physician will be able to determine a preliminary diagnosis and make testing recommendations.
Once the initial work-up is complete and test results are reviewed, a diagnosis can be pinpointed and a treatment plan begun. We will educate you thoroughly about your particular diagnosis, but we have provided an overview below. Please contact us if you have any questions about this information or your own specific situation.
Approximately 1 - 4 % of women suffer from Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). Characteristics of POF include the loss of eggs, a dysfunction of the eggs or the removal of the ovaries prior to age 40 and can happen as early as the teenage years. Causes of POF are generally believed to be due to an autoimmune disease; however exposure to chemotherapy, radiation or genetic factors also may contribute to the condition.
Some of the symptoms common with POF include the loss of menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycles over a period of months, hot flashes and/or night sweats, sleeping problems, mood swings, vaginal dryness, energy loss, low sex drive, painful sex and bladder control problems.
Although there is no known treatment for reversing premature ovarian failure, hormone replacement therapy and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) utilizing donor eggs offer significant hope for those desiring pregnancy.
* The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written on this site. No health information on this website should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.
