OVERVIEW
Premature ovarian failure: This term is fairly self descriptive, and refers to the primary failure of the ovaries. Given the qualifier “premature” this term is reserved for women under the age of 40 you are experiencing primary hypogonadism.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Causes of premature ovarian failure can include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Autoimmune disorders/autoimmune ovary destruction: Addison disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, pernicious anemia
- Turner syndrome
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?
Initial Presentation:
CLINICAL WORKUP
Serum hormone levels: the following changes are consistent with premature ovarian failure:
- Increased FSH
- Increased LH
- Decreased estrogen
Page Updated: 10.02.2016