Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) happens when your ovaries stop working normally before you are 40. As you get older, fertility naturally decreases. This usually starts around age 40 or later. Menstrual periods may also become irregular as you transition to menopause . If you have POI, these changes happen earlier, before age 40. Sometimes POI can start as early as the teenage years. POI is different from premature menopause. With premature menopause, your periods stop before age 40. You can no longer get pregnant. The cause can be natural or it can be a disease, surgery, chemotherapy , or radiation . With POI, some women still have occasional periods. They may even get pregnant. In most cases of POI, the cause is unknown. What causes primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? In about 90% of cases, the exact cause of POI is unknown. Research shows that POI is related to problems with the follicles. Follicles are small sacs in your ovaries where eggs grow and mature. One type of follicle problem is that you run out of working follicles earlier than normal. Another is that the follicles are not working properly. In most cases, the cause of the follicle problem is unknown. But sometimes the cause may be: Genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Turner syndrome A low number of follicles Autoimmune diseases , including thyroiditis and Addison disease Chemotherapy or radiation therapy Metabolic disorders Exposure to toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke , chemicals, and pesticides Who is at risk for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? Certain factors can raise your risk of POI: Family history. If you have a mother or sister with POI, you are more likely to have it. Genes. Some changes to genes and genetic conditions put you at higher risk for POI. For example, women with Fragile X syndrome or Turner syndrome are at higher risk. Certain diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and some viral infections . Cancer treatment