Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Infertility & Reproduction Health Center

Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Topic Overview

Is this topic for you?

This topic contains information about loss of ovarian function before age 40. If you want information about the normal loss of ovarian function around age 50 or about symptoms in the few years before it, see the topic Menopause and Perimenopause.

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure occurs when your ovaries-which store and release eggs-stop working before age 40. You may have no or few eggs. Depending on the cause, premature ovarian failure may develop as early as the teen years, or the problem may have been present from birth.

Recommended Related to Menopause

Natural Treatments for Menopause Symptoms

Symptom: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats Benefit: Black cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies have had mixed results on whether black cohosh is effective in reducing hot flashes. Some studies indicate it may help with mild hot flashes and night sweats for short-term treatment. May lower blood pressure as well. In rare cases, hepatitis has been reported.  

Read the Natural Treatments for Menopause Symptoms article > >

A woman who has premature ovarian failure is very likely to have irregular or no periods, infertility problems, and menopause-like symptoms. It is difficult, though not impossible, for women who have premature ovarian failure to become pregnant.

What causes premature ovarian failure?

Although the exact cause of premature ovarian failure may be unknown, a genetic factor or a problem with the body's immune system may play a role in some women. In an immune system disorder, the body may attack its own tissues-in this case, the ovaries.

Premature ovarian failure may develop after a hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery or from radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In some of these cases, the condition may be temporary, with the ovaries starting to work again some years later.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of premature ovarian failure are similar to those of menopause. Your menstrual periods may become irregular-you have a period one month but not the next-or they may stop. You also may have some or all of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, or trouble sleeping.

How is premature ovarian failure diagnosed?

If your periods become irregular or stop, your doctor will give you a physical examination and ask you questions about your general health and whether you have other symptoms of premature ovarian failure. You will also have a pregnancy test, and your blood will be tested for other possible causes of irregular periods.

To check for possible ovarian failure, your blood level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be checked. FSH signals your body to release an egg every month. If the amount of FSH in your blood is higher than normal on more than one day, you may have premature ovarian failure. Another blood test also may be done to measure the amount of estradiol (or estrogen) in your blood. Very low estrogen with a high FSH is a sign of premature ovarian failure.

Some women find out they have premature ovarian failure when they see a doctor because they are having trouble getting pregnant.

How is it treated?

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 19, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Today in Infertility & Reproduction

female reproductive system
Article
healthtool ovulation calculator
Tool
 
Low Tech Fertility Treatment
Video
Getting Pregnant
Article
 
Which Treatment Is Right For You
Slideshow
Conception Myths
Article
 
eddleman prepare your body pregnancy
Video
Conception
Slideshow
 
Charting Your Fertility Cycle
Article
Fertility Specialist
Article
 
Understanding Fertility Symptoms
Article
invitro fertilization
Article
 

WebMD Special Sections