Patient's question:
I am 28 years old, unmarried, and broke up with my boyfriend because of premature ovarian failure. I really don't want to live like this my whole life. Is it better to use traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, or a combination of both? Can it be treated with surgery? Thank you.Doctor's answer:
Hello, women who experience premature ovarian failure before the age of 40 are referred to as having premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure is often accompanied by autoimmune diseases. In addition to amenorrhea, only a small number of women with premature ovarian failure exhibit symptoms similar to menopausal syndrome. However, young women who have been in a low estrogen state for a long time may develop uterine atrophy, reduced vaginal secretions, dyspareunia, and even osteoporosis, so estrogen supplementation should be administered promptly. It is currently believed that premature ovarian failure is not necessarily irreversible, especially for patients who wish to conceive, active treatment should still be pursued.(1) Artificial cycle: Periodic supplementation with estrogen and progesterone can prevent the atrophy of reproductive organ epithelium and calcium loss, and can also protect the cardiovascular system and prevent changes in lipid metabolism. Estrogen can be started at any time, such as ethinyl estradiol 0.5–1 mg, once daily, for 22 consecutive days. Progesterone should be supplemented starting on the 11th day of medication, such as oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 8–10 mg, once daily, for 10 consecutive days. If progesterone injections are used, they should be started on the 16th day of estrogen intake, with a daily intramuscular injection of 10 mg, for 5 consecutive injections. If ethinyl estradiol 5 μg is taken, it is only necessary to take it once daily, for 20–22 consecutive days, followed by progesterone.
(2) Inducing follicular development: After a period of artificial cycle treatment, a small dose of estrogen is used alone, such as ethinyl estradiol 0.5 mg or 0.25 mg (ethinyl estradiol 12.5 μg), once daily, for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week break. Regardless of whether withdrawal bleeding occurs, the second cycle of treatment should be started. A course of treatment consists of 3 cycles. When estrogen levels slightly rise, FSH and LH are suppressed.