Early Menopause: Premature Ovarian Failure

POF is a condition where the body’s estrogen levels drop below the required levels and the level of FSH rises. This is due to the dysfunction of the ovaries. The ovaries of the women who suffer from POF do not produce eggs. POF is sometimes known as premature menopause.

POF can be caused at any stage in a woman’s life, irrespective of whether she is married, is young, or has children. POF can cause infertility; in fact this is the most serious condition that POF can cause. There are many other health conditions that occurs because of POF, like, osteoporosis or the condition where your bones become brittle. POF can cause all health conditions that occur due to estrogen deficiency in women. The women suffering from POF might get heart diseases, hypothyroidism, and some other immunity disorders also.

Difference between POF and Menopause

In normal women, menopause occurs during the early 50s. Premature Ovarian Failure can occur before a woman turns 40. When menopause occurs, the ovaries of a woman do not produce eggs anymore and so, does not get her menstrual periods. A woman who suffers from POF may have follicles, but they may not function. So, with proper treatment, she can still get her periods.

Symptoms of POF

The symptoms of POF are more or less the same as those of menopause. There are four prime signs that a woman would experience as symptoms of early menopause or POF. The absence of a menstrual period is one of them. The woman may also experience hot flashes, as if the body is set on heat. She would experience night sweats; sweating during night, even in cold weather. Vaginal dryness is also one of the typical symptoms of POF. Other symptoms that most women experience are extreme mood swings, disinterest in sex, lower libido, irritability and painful sex. The symptoms of POF appear to be more severe than those experiencing menopause at an older age. In some cases, the woman might get occasional periods. Women with POF might not be able to get pregnant naturally. The symptoms could occur over a couple of months, or some times, over a few years.

Causes of POF

There might be many causes associated with Premature Ovarian Failure. One of the most common causes is the presence of a confused immune system. So, as a part of the treatment for POF, the physicians look for ways to calm the immune system down. Only then would POF be cured completely. The other causes of POF are genetics, cancer treatment methods like radiation or chemo, turner disorders, viral infections, or even eating disorders.

Treatment for POF

POF causes infertility; treatment of POF to help such women have children would be donor eggs or other fertility treatments. If a woman has been diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), some physicians suggest to take Clomid or any other medication that causes hormonal stimulation such as corticosteroids, Gonadotropin, Danazol, or human menopausal gondotropins.

But, none of these treatments can restore fertility. Hormone replacement therapy is also quite helpful in restoring fertility. As mentioned, POF causes the reproductive system of the affected woman to shut down prematurely; the cure should include natural medicines that can try to bring the affected organs back to health. Clomid or any other anti-estrogen medicine would only help for the worst.  The most effective treatment for POF patients would include natural medication that can help to enhance the flow of blood to the ovaries of the affected patient. These medicines also help the patient’s body to lower the FSH level. It also helps the body to start ovulating. For many women, the diagnosis of POF can spell havoc and take them through tensions. But, POF can be treated naturally.