Overview
Normally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. But there are cases when ovarian function fades earlier.
What Is Ovarian Wasting Syndrome
Menopause (cessation of menstruation) is one of the stages of a woman’s reproductive journey. Normally, menopause occurs between 45 and 55 years. A condition in which loss of ovarian function occurs before natural menopause occurs is called premature ovarian failure (POF). POF is sometimes called ovarian wasting syndrome, but this term is outdated.
The ovaries contain follicles – small sacs within which eggs mature. With POF, the number of follicles in the ovaries is reduced. And, as a result, the amount of sex hormones (estrogens) in the blood decreases.
Premature ovarian failure is considered to be the cessation of ovarian function before age 40. If the patient encountered this problem at the age of 40-44, early menopause is diagnosed.
Which Doctor Should I Contact?
The doctor will collect a detailed medical history. He will conduct an examination and prescribe a laboratory examination. As a rule, this is a blood test for sex hormones. Follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and anti-Mullerian hormone. Based on the results, the doctor, together with the patient, will develop treatment tactics.
Depending on the clinical situation and the woman’s existing needs, the doctor may refer her for a consultation with related specialists. A reproductive specialist, an endocrinologist, a geneticist and other doctors.
Is It Possible to Restore Fertility with POF?
In approximately 10% of women with premature ovarian failure, pregnancy occurs even without treatment of the disease. However, it is better not to hope for such an outcome, but to seek timely help from a doctor.
Restoring fertility with POF is not an easy task. That is why early detection of the disease among women at risk and careful dynamic monitoring of their condition is important.
In some cases, fertility cannot be restored:
An oophorectomy involves the removal of both ovaries.
With some chromosomal disorders, for example, congenital absence of ovaries.
In case of late presentation of the patient and untimely detection of the disease.
In some cases, after treatment of cancer with radiation and chemotherapy.
The ovarian reserve (the supply of eggs) cannot be increased by any means. At the same time, you can get the desired pregnancy. For example, using assisted reproductive technologies. Remember, the sooner a diagnosis is made and management tactics are developed, the greater the chances of success.
Treatment Methods for Premature Ovarian Failure
Therapy for POF is aimed at replenishing the deficiency of sex hormones. The attending physician individually helps each patient choose hormonal therapy. A combination of estrogen and progesterone in different combinations. Selected medications will need to be taken until the age of natural menopause. In case of contraindications or intolerance to hormone replacement therapy, alternative treatment methods are possible. It’s all depending on the existing symptoms and condition of the patient.
It is important to understand that a decrease in sex hormones also affects other systems of the body. The risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and low-traumatic bone fractures, mental and cognitive disorders such as anxiety, depression, memory impairment, attention and concentration increases. All this significantly reduces the quality of life.
Prevention of the Development of POF
The general recommendation for all women who want to maintain fertility for as long as possible is a healthy lifestyle. Giving up bad habits, sufficient physical activity, and a nutritious balanced diet is an important help for absolutely all diseases. Unfortunately, it is impossible to influence factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary predisposition. But timely contact with a competent specialist will help avoid many complications.
One should take a balanced approach to surgical tactics for treating pathologies of the ovaries and pelvic organs. If surgical treatment is still indicated, but the woman is planning a pregnancy in the future, it is necessary to evaluate the ovarian reserve. And, if necessary, perform oocyte cryopreservation. A procedure for removing and preserving eggs. This recommendation is also relevant in the treatment of cancer. It takes place when radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed.
When the first symptoms of POF appear, you need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. You need to assess the state of ovarian function and select observation tactics.
It is advisable for every woman planning to have a child to know about her reproductive potential. A doctor will help you determine your egg supply – come for a consultation with a gynecologist, and a specialist will tell you how to get tested.
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