What is POF (Premature Ovarian Failure)
What is POF? How does it affectpregnancy in women?
In simple words, POF (Premature Ovarian Failure) is earlymenopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
The period between puberty andmenopause is the reproductive period in a woman. In a woman, if the ovariesstop producing eggs early, before the age of 40 and there are subsequently noperiods, this is called premature ovarian failure. Women who have POF mayexperience some symptoms similar to that of menopause - such as hot flashes,irregular or no periods, vaginal dryness etc. POF may occur abruptly over 1 to2 months or may repeat over several times in a year. Another sign of POF ishigher levels of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) or estrogen levels.
How is POF Diagnosed?
POF diagnosis is made based on clinicalassessment, blood tests (to look at hormone levels, antibodies, & genetictests) and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries to evaluate the structure of theovaries & uterus.
How is it treated?
POF is permanent. The treatment isusually done by replacing the hormones that the ovaries no longer produce suchas estrogen & progesterone, called as HRT-Hormone Replacement Therapy. Thishelps with the management of menopausal symptoms but does not result in theproduction of eggs in the ovaries.
How does POF affect pregnancy?
POF affects 1% of young women. Itseriously interferes with fertility and family planning.Pregnancy is, however, possible through assisted conception, with success ratesup to 50%, depending on various factors such as the of cause of POF, treatmenttype & woman’s age. IVF with donor eggs is an excellent option for POFaffected women with high chances of conception.
If facing any of fertility issues, pleasecontact our fertility specialist doctors at GarbhaGudi IVF Centre which isfunctioning at five different branches in Bangalore. You may choose the IVF centre as per yourconvenience.
Visit: www.garbhagudi.com
Call: 888 000 0909
Email:dreams@garbhagudi.com
