Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), formerly referred to as premature ovarian failure is a disorder that results from the early depletion or dysfunction of the ovaries leading to malfunctioning of the reproductive system. Such a woman usually develops this condition by the age of 40 which causes various symptoms and affects fertility. In this article, we shall talk about the causes and symptoms of POI.
Causes of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
● Genetic Factors – Primary Ovarian Insufficiency can stem from genetic abnormalities. Premature depletion of ovarian follicles can be caused by conditions such as Turner syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
●Autoimmune Disorders – Sometimes the immune system mistakes ovarian tissues and starts attacking them, and this results in a disorder called ovarian insufficiency. POI can result as a consequence of autoimmune disorders that include thyroiditis and Addison’s disease.
●Infections – The infections of the ovaries that cause inflammation and damage are mumps, which contribute to Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
●Idiopathic Causes – In a large percentage of POI cases, the etiology remains undetermined, so this condition is called idiopathic. This requires further investigations into other possible contributors to ovarian insufficiency. Gynecologists in Mumbai are skilled enough to resolve such issues.
Symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
●Irregular Menstrual Cycles – Irregular or no menstrual cycles are one of the main symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Women suffering from POI may have menstrual irregularities that include primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea, among others.
●Hot Flashes and Night Sweats – Situational symptoms associated with ovarian insufficiency can include hot flashes and night sweats commonly seen in the menopausal state.
●Difficulty Conceiving – Reduced ovarian function leads to infertility in most cases of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Women with POI often have difficulty conceiving naturally.
●Bone Health Concerns – Estrogen has an important function in the maintenance of bone density. Low estrogen levels that occur in cases of POI may predispose women to osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Management and Treatment
While Primary Ovarian Insufficiency cannot be reversed, its symptoms can be managed with appropriate medical interventions and under the supervision of the best gynecologists in Mumbai.
●Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – HRT including estrogen and progesterone has a role in the control of symptoms like hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Nevertheless, HRT does not bring back fertility.
●Fertility Treatments – The use of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF with donated eggs may be an option for women who want to have a child.
●Bone Health Measures – To reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis, women with POI are recommended lifestyle interventions including regular weight-bearing exercises, calcium adequate intake, and vitamin D supplementation.
Reproductive health and women’s overall well-being are significantly disturbed by Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, thus, the condition comes with various complexities. With the understanding of the etiologies and identification of symptoms, it can help healthcare providers in diagnosing PIO early which will further lead to better management that helps improve the living quality for women suffering from PIO.
Dr. Neelima Mantri is one of Mumbai’s best gynecologists, who has successfully treated POI patients. Get in touch with her for the best remedies.