Premature ovarian failure: clinical presentation and treatment

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2015 Mar;42(1):153-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.10.004.

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure is a devastating diagnosis for reproductive-aged women. The diagnosis is relatively easy. However, it has serious health consequences, including psychological distress, infertility, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, ischemic heart disease, and increased risk for mortality. Management should be initiated immediately to prevent long-term consequences. Estrogen therapy is the mainstay of management. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy studies should not be used to determine the risks of treatment in these young women.

Keywords: Autoimmune disorders; Estrogen therapy; Heart disease; Infertility; Osteoporosis; Ovarian failure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Estrogens / deficiency
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / agonists*
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / diagnosis*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / therapy
  • Oocyte Donation
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / complications
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / therapy
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone