Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and the symptoms you need to be aware of

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) also known as Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) occurs when the ovaries stop working prematurely which is usually classed as before the age of 40. When this happens the ovaries don’t produce the expected amount of estrogen or regularly release eggs.

POI can often be confused with with premature menopause but this isn’t the case as many people with POI can have irregular periods for years and still get pregnant however people with premature menopause stop having periods altogether.

There is treatment available that can help restore estrogen levels in ladies suffering with POI which could help prevent some issues that may arise from low estrogen such as heart disease and weak bones.

The cause of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency could be contributed to by some of the below factors:

• A response from your immune system to ovarian tissue – This also known as autoimmune disease. This condition makes the immune system produce protective proteins that attack the ovary tissue in error. This will then harm the sacs in the ovaries that contains an egg, which in turn is then damaged.
• Toxins – Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are a very common cause of ovarian insufficiency. Going through these treatments can damage the genetic make up of our cells. Other toxins such as pesticides, smoking cigarettes and exposure to chemicals could all speed up POI.
• Ovary removal – Removal of the Ovaries (Oophorectomy) due to conditions like endometriosis or ovarian tumors and cysts before the natural start of menopause can induce POI.
• Genetics – These can play a role in premature ovarian syndrome. Many cases of POI can be linked to genetic factors including abnormalities in genes involved in the development function of the ovaries. Some types of chromosome differences such as Turner syndrome can increase the likelihood of POI.

Understanding these risk factors can help you to identify if you are at a higher risk of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and if so what preventative measures you can take.

POI can lead to various other other health issues including the following:

• Infertility – POI typically causes irregular or absent periods and can lead to infertility due to decreased ovarian function.
• Hormonal imbalances – Decreased estrogen levels can lead to symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and vaginal dryness. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis and and heart disease.
• General menopausal symptoms – Women dealing with POI may also experience symptoms that are typically associated with menopause at a younger age such as hot flushes, loss of libido, night sweats & joint stiffness.
• Psychological impact – Dealing with the many various health problems that POI can bring with it may lead to emotional distress, anxiety and even depression.

Early diagnosis and the correct medical care and support can help to reduce these complications and improve the quality of life for people with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

The Menopaus’ull team have recently added a very informative book on POI to our FREE book loan service. If you would like to lend it please just drop us an email to support@mnetwork.org.uk with your address and we will post it out with a self addressed envelope to return when you have read it.

A brief prologue of the book below:

”The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause offers a road-map to navigating the emotional and hormonal rollercoaster that accompanies these diagnoses. Drawing on their own experiences and their clinical expertise, the authors bring together the latest research, insights and the voices of women themselves with a whole-body approach that prioritizes empowerment and health.

It covers:
– Causes of early menopause and POI
– When, and how, to seek a diagnosis
– Medical and surgical menopause
– Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments
– Nutrition, Lifestyle & Self-care
– Fertility
– Sexual wellbeing, relationships and self-identity
– Early menopause, education and work

Inclusive, compassionate, and featuring FAQs, guidelines and further resources, this book is the only one you will ever need if you are facing the unique challenges of menopause and POI at a stage of life when you least expected it.”