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Premature ovarian failure

Last reviewed: 1 Oct 2024
Last updated: 14 Apr 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • age <40 years
  • family history of primary ovarian failure
  • menstrual irregularities
  • toxic exposures
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • hot flashes
  • sleep disturbance
  • irritability
  • vaginal dryness
  • infertility
  • vaginal atrophy
  • small uterus with nonpalpable ovaries
  • cognitive abnormalities
  • signs of thyroid dysfunction
  • signs of adrenal dysfunction
  • signs of hyperprolactinemia
  • signs of genetic syndromes
Full details

Risk factors

  • family history of POF
  • exposure to chemotherapy or radiation
  • autoimmune disease
  • family history of fragile X syndrome
  • galactosemia
  • hysterectomy
  • uterine artery embolization
  • smoking
  • lower socioeconomic status, higher education level, nulliparity
  • presence of specific genetic variants
  • ovarian surgery
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • pregnancy test
  • serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level
  • serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level
  • serum estradiol level
  • anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level
  • thyroid function tests
  • serum prolactin level
  • transvaginal ultrasound
Full details

Tests to consider

  • thyroid peroxidase antibody
  • serum fasting glucose level
  • electrolytes, BUN, creatinine
  • karyotype
  • fragile X premutation
  • adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test
  • serum adrenal antibodies
  • baseline dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

all patients

Contributors

Authors

William Ledger, MA, DPhil (Oxon), MB, ChB, FRCOG, FRANZCOG, CREI

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Academic Unit of Reproductive & Developmental Medicine

The University of New South Wales

Sydney

Australia

Disclosures

WL is the author of one reference cited in this topic.

Rachael Rodgers, BA, BSc, MBBS, MScMed (RHHG)

Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology

Reproductive Medicine

Royal Hospital for Women

Sydney

Australia

Disclosures

RR declares that she has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr William Ledger would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr William Hurd, Dr Rebecca Flyckt, and Dr Nichole Giannios, the previous contributors to this topic.

Disclosures

WH, RF, and NG declare that they have no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

John F. Randolph Jr., MD

Professor and Director

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

University of Michigan Health System

Ann Arbor

MI

Disclosures

JFR declares that he has no competing interests.

Edward Morris, MD

Consultant

Honorary Senior Lecturer and Clinical Director

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Norwich

UK

Disclosures

EM declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Pregnancy
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome
    • Anorexia nervosa
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of the North American Menopause Society
    • The British Menopause Society and Women's Health Concern recommendations on the management of women with premature ovarian insufficiency
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Menopause: should I take HRT?

    Menopause: what is it?

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