The Reality Of Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature ovarian failure-also known as primary ovarian insufficiency is a condition that limits the amount of estrogen the ovaries release and stops the release of eggs. Women with premature ovarian failure can become pregnant but complications will occur. Premature ovarian failure is a condition that occurs in women under the age of 40. Unlike menopause which stops the menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy, women with premature ovarian failure still experience periods albeit irregularly.
How does someone develop premature ovarian failure?
Premature ovarian failure is a condition that still baffles healthcare providers. Medical professionals attribute the disease to several factors including:
- Genetic disorders
- Autoimmune disease
- Low follicle count
- Chemotherapy
- Metabolic disorders
- Prolonged exposure to toxins
All these disorders affect the follicles which are vital to the reproductive process. Follicles live in the ovaries where eggs are stored. Once the eggs mature, the follicle releases one each month to start the menstruation process. The follicles in a person with premature ovarian failure have stopped working properly.
Is there a cure for premature ovarian failure?
There is no cure for premature ovarian failure. All doctors can do is recommend treatments to help improve ovarian function. One of these treatments is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapy is the delivery of specific hormones like estrogen and progesterone to the body to restore a person’s health. HRT is common for women dealing with menopause. Doctors will also suggest lifestyle changes such as an exercise regimen or diet to improve a person’s overall health and increase blood circulation.
Do I need an egg donor?
Another common treatment for premature ovarian failure is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, doctors extract eggs and sperms from the body to fertilize an egg externally. IVF involves a series of treatments, including testing and hormone therapy. Someone with premature ovarian failure may consider getting an egg donor to harvest eggs.
An egg donor is a woman with healthy eggs that can be harvested successfully for conception. The decision to use an egg donor may arise if the doctor is unsure of the quality of a woman’s eggs. Remember, a woman with premature ovarian failure still produces eggs but the eggs may be compromised due to disorders rendering them inefficient or defective.
Who should I talk to about premature ovarian failure?
A fertility specialist can help a woman better understand premature ovarian failure and donor options. Fertility specialists can also conduct tests to determine the amount and quality of eggs a woman has. For any questions regarding the disorder, schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist.
