Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Definition

• Amenorrhoea due to loss of ovarian function before age 40

• Encompasses premature ovarian insufficiency and primary amenorrhoea

• Course may be variable with occasional spontaneous ovulation

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Risk Factors

• Family history of early menopause or POI

• Previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy or ovarian surgery

• Autoimmune disorders such as Addison’s disease, autoimmune thyroiditis or coeliac disease

• Cigarette smoking

• Nulliparity

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Aetiology

• Idiopathic is the most common cause

• Autoimmune causes including adrenal and thyroid autoimmunity

• Genetic abnormalities such as Turner syndrome and Fragile X premutation

• Iatrogenic causes related to medical therapies (eg chemotherapy, radiotherapy)

• Environmental factors like smoking accelerating ovarian follicle depletion

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Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

• Menstrual disturbance manifesting as oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea

• Menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, mood swings, atrophic vaginitis, breast tenderness and bloating

• Infertility due to diminished ovarian reserve

• Psychosocial impact with increased risk of depression, anxiety and negative body image

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Diagnosis

• Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the menopausal range on two occasions (at least 4–6 weeks apart) after >4 months of menstrual irregularity

• Low oestradiol levels with compensatory elevated gonadotropins

• Exclusion of secondary causes (eg hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, medications)

• Consider karyotyping and Fragile X premutation testing in suspected genetic cases

• Autoimmune screening (eg thyroid peroxidase, adrenal antibodies) where indicated

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Long-Term Sequelae

• Persistent menopausal symptoms such as atrophic vaginitis, low libido and hot flushes

• Increased risk of osteoporosis, necessitating bone mineral density assessments every 2 years

• Elevated cardiovascular risk due to oestrogen deficiency and adverse lipid changes

• Infertility with significant implications for reproductive planning

• Potential neurocognitive effects and increased incidence of depression

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Management

• Initiate hormone replacement therapy early and continue until approximately age 51 to mitigate osteoporosis and cardiovascular risks

• Individualise HRT regimen (eg transdermal oestrogen may be preferable in high-risk groups)

• Advise lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, maintenance of a healthy weight, regular weight-bearing exercise, and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake

• Provide psychological support with counselling and referral to support groups

• For women desiring pregnancy, consider assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF with donor oocytes

• Arrange regular multidisciplinary follow-up to monitor therapy, screen for long-term complications and adjust management as needed

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Notes

• POI can have a fluctuating course with rare spontaneous resumption of ovarian function

• Early diagnosis is crucial to initiate timely HRT and prevent long-term morbidity

• Screen for associated autoimmune conditions and genetic causes where appropriate

• Educate patients about fertility implications and available assisted reproductive options

• Ongoing monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors and bone health should form part of long-term care