Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is a condition causing amenorrhea, infertility, sex steroid deficiency, and elevated gonadotropins in women 40 years old or younger. Premature ovarian failure is not merely an early natural menopause. Young women with premature ovarian failure may ovulate intermittently and, indeed, pregnancies have occurred after the diagnosis of ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure may be associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune adrenal failure, hypothyroidism,diabetes mellitus. Premature ovarian failure has both significant psychosocial sequelae and major health implications. Young women with this disorder need a thorough assessment, sex steroid replacement, and long-term surveillance to monitor their therapy and minimize their health risks in later life.