Patient's question:
I keep finding that I can't get pregnant, and my complexion is getting worse and worse, and I'm looking older. How can I determine if I have premature ovarian failure?Doctor's answer:
Premature ovarian failure (POF) refers to the recurrence of amenorrhea, elevated estrogen levels, and excessively high concentrations of gonadotropins in women, sometimes accompanied by menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating. It is named for its similarity to physiological menopause and is also referred to as early menopause or premature menopause. POF occurs before the age of 40 due to the depletion of ovarian follicles or iatrogenic damage, leading to the decline in ovarian function. Possible causes may include: genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, and iatrogenic damage (e.g., destruction of the gonads by radiation or chemotherapy, or surgery affecting ovarian blood supply).