One often overlooked cause of infertility in women is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). It is not the most common cause of infertility, but it affects almost 4% of women before the onset of natural menopause at age 40.

Premature Ovarian Failure is basically a disruption of the supply of eggs in a young woman (below age 40). Most women are born with enough eggs for ovulation to occur from about age 10 or 12 to age 50. When that entire supply of eggs is used up through monthly ovulation, menopause then occurs. If something occurs to the eggs or ovaries which suspends ovulation, periods cease and the diagnosis is often "Premature Ovarian Failure". It is believed that POF occurs in 1-4% of young women.

How is a diagnosis made for Premature Ovarian Failure?

My OB/GYN ordered a round of blood tests to determine the diagnosis. The tests included estrogen level, progesterone level, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level. These initial tests came back showing that I had a high FSH level and a low estrogen level which signified that my body was producing FSH and signaling my ovaries to release an egg. Because no eggs were being released, my body continued to produce FSH and my FSH levels got higher and higher.

My OB/GYN then sent me to an endocrinologist (essentially a doctor specializing in hormones). My endocrinologist then ordered more blood tests and researched my history to determine if there may be other reasons why my periods had ceased. I was tested for diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, kidney dysfunction as well as some other ailments. I was, again, tested for estrogen, progesterone, and FSH levels. All test results pointed to Premature Ovarian Failure.

What are the consequences of having Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

The news that I had POF hit me much harder than I expected. The foremost consequence of POF in my mind at the time was that, most likely, I would no longer be able to conceive a child naturally. Later, other consequences became a concern. The lack of estrogen caused by POF can lead to osteoporosis. Also, bladder problems and heart disease can be blamed on POF.

Life After POF

Because of the elevated risk of osteoporosis, I have chosen to receive Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the form of prescription bionatural estrogen and progesterone. At this time, I have also been ordered to take 1500 mg of Calcium per day (this is higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for normal women) and to practice weight bearing exercise. I will have my first bone scan (at the age of 35) soon.

There is a group dedicated to supporting women with POF and their families. The name of this group is the POF Support Group and it can be found by Googling "Premature Ovarian Failure". This website includes information and resources for those living with POF.

Children After POF?

I have been very blessed that I gave birth to my first child just one year before the onset of the symptoms of POF. (Some women are diagnosed with POF before they even reach their 20s and consider having children.) Having children is still a possibility for women with POF either by receiving an egg donation from another woman or through adoption.

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