Discover how we help women with premature ovarian failure build a healthy family
Women with premature ovarian failure (POF) receive high-quality support at our Tennessee fertility clinic. POF, also known as early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency, occurs when a woman experiences ovarian function failure before the age of 40. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51. This issue involves the loss of eggs in the ovaries, which can then inhibit estrogen production.
POF can be the result of an autoimmune disorder, a chromosomal abnormality or fragile X. Additional circumstances that can lead to POF include damage to the ovaries from conditions like endometriosis and loss of an ovary. Radiation and chemotherapy can also sometimes cause this issue.
How premature ovarian failure affects a woman’s body
While women with POF might occasionally ovulate, they typically only have a 5-10% chance of conceiving with their own eggs. Low egg quantity and quality make it more difficult for women with primary ovarian insufficiency to conceive.
In addition to infertility, women experience various symptoms of premature ovarian failure.
- Absence of a menstrual cycle or irregular menstruation
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
When a woman suspects she has premature ovarian failure, a doctor at our Tennessee fertility clinic assesses her symptoms. They will take a medical history and will likely suggest a blood test and ultrasound.
The blood test allows the doctor to evaluate her reproductive hormone levels. Doing so can provide information about a woman’s ovarian health. Bloodwork can also detect autoimmune abnormalities, thyroid imbalances, fragile X syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities and other factors that can indicate POF.
The ultrasound can reveal if a woman has small ovaries with no sign of maturing egg follicles. This is a sign of primary ovarian insufficiency.
Learn how women with primary ovarian insufficiency can become pregnant
After our Tennessee fertility clinic helps the patient determine if she has POF, they work with her to plan for the next steps. One of the first steps is hormone replacement therapy. This treatment can help alleviate many symptoms of POF. It can also protect the woman against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Many doctors also recommend certain supplements that can provide further protection against osteoporosis.
When women with POF are ready to become pregnant they typically require IVF with donor eggs. Through our egg donor program, patients can find high-quality egg donors who undergo comprehensive physical, genetic and psychological evaluations. These healthy donor eggs often lead to the birth of a healthy baby.
Women can also choose to utilize donor embryos from our embryo bank. These embryos come from women and men who no longer need their embryos and donate them for other patients to utilize.
With the expert support of our clinic, many women overcome the challenges of primary ovarian insufficiency and develop a healthy pregnancy. Contact us for more information about our fertility services.