Premature ovarian failure (POF)
The causes of premature ovary failure (POF) are still unknown. It is known, however, that the ovary may stop working for two reasons – the lack of follicles and their abnormal function. Premature ovarian failure is defined as the last menstrual period before the age of 40. Hormonal test results are characteristic of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (low estradiol levels, high levels of FSH and LH).
The reasons for POF include:
-acquired causes of follicle atrophy [premature extinction of ovarian function due to genetic (about 10%), immunological (about 20%), iatrogenic, post-infection, in systemic diseases],
-insensitive ovary syndrome, which usually occurs in women under 30 years of age and most likely the underlying causes are autoimmune disorders.
Ovarian hypoplasia is characterized by primary or, occasionally, secondary amenorrhea. Gonads are hypoplastic with individual follicles. There is a poor development of tertiary sex characteristics (due to hypoestrogenism). Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is found in hormonal tests.
Source: A. Cajdler-Łuba, S. Mikosiński, A. Sobieszczańska-Jabłońska, I. Nadel, I. Salata, A. Lewiński: “FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTICS OF HORMONAL DISORDERS WITH ELEMENTS OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTICS; Czelej Publishing House