Ovaries Prematurely Stopped
Premature ovarian failure (POF), also called premature ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where a woman’s ovaries prematurely stop working. This occurs before age 40 and about 1% of women are affected. In premature ovarian failure, ovaries stop producing hormones, leading to no release of eggs. As a result, a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular.
Finding solutions to get pregnant
A fertility specialist will work with the patient to find ways to conceive. The treatment of premature ovarian failure depends on various factors like age and symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to replace the hormones that the ovaries are not producing but comes with risks. In addition to hormonal therapy, physical activity and supplements like vitamin D and calcium are recommended. Hormone replacement therapy may resume a normal menstrual cycle but ovarian function is not guaranteed.
Considering fertility treatments
In some cases, there have been women who had spontaneous pregnancies after the use of hormone replacement therapy. However, in the majority of cases, fertility treatments aid in getting pregnant with POF. Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donor eggs are the alternate options in the hope of pregnancy. IVF is the process of fertilizing eggs with sperm in the lab and implanting the embryo into the uterus. In many cases, a woman may need to rely on donor eggs to achieve pregnancy.
Looking at pregnancy success rates
According to a study, the pregnancy rates in premature ovarian failure with donor eggs are very high, about 70%-80%. Spontaneous pregnancies account for about 5%. Every woman’s success will vary based on many factors but there is always hope.
Other ways premature ovarian failure affects
Premature ovarian failure puts a woman at risk of other conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, and mood disorders. This is due to a result of low estrogen levels, putting a woman at risk of various disorders. If diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, inquire about one’s risk of these possible medical conditions.
Life with premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure is a permanent condition that requires therapy to deal with associated symptoms. A lot of emotional feelings go through a woman’s mind at that time, especially those wanting to conceive. Working with the doctor to find ways to become pregnant is still possible. Additionally, seek help from support groups, family, friends, or counseling to help cope with emotions.
Pregnancy is possible
Premature ovarian failure can be devastating putting a woman with a low chance of getting pregnant. However, there is still hope to achieve pregnancy. Speak to a fertility specialist about hormone replacement therapy and associated risks. Inquire about fertility treatments such as IVF and the use of donor eggs. Donor eggs often give the most successful outcome out of all the possible treatment options.
