Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

“Loss of ovarian function occurring in women younger than 40 years of age is called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI may also be referred to as…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this umbrella may include:

  • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
  • Premature Ovarian Failure Syndrome
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

World Menopause Day 2020

Premature Ovarian InsufficiencyWhat is the theme of World Menopause Day 2020?

In World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 the IMS elaborate on:

“The theme for World Menopause Day 2020 is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)”.2

Terminology

Are premature menopause, premature ovarian failure (POF) and/or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) the same?

In What Is POI: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency the (United Kingdom) Daisy Network explain:

“Premature menopause, premature ovarian failure and/or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are terms that are generally used to describe the same condition, whatever the cause. The words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing at first. There is no internationally agreed wording, however the newer term for the condition is premature ovarian insufficiency, which may describe it more accurately as the ovaries may not have irreversibly ‘failed’ and premature ovarian insufficiency has important differences from the ‘normal’ menopause which occurs at an average age of 51”.3

Premature Menopause and Early Menopause

Early MenopausePremature MenopauseIs premature menopause the same as early menopause?

No. The (United States) Hormone Health Network’s elaborate on:

“In the United States, the average age for menopause is 51 for non-smokers and 49 for smokers, with a typical age range somewhere between 47 and 55 years. Some women experience menopause sooner — before age 45 is considered early menopause, and before age 40 is considered premature menopause”.4

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

What is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

DotS the definition of POI may vary. In Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology. the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) elaborate on:

“Loss of ovarian function occurring in women younger than 40 years of age is called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI may also be referred to as primary ovarian insufficiency, premature menopause or premature/ primary ovarian failure)”.5

In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Primary ovarian insufficiency — also called premature ovarian failure — occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. When this happens, your ovaries don’t produce normal amounts of the hormone estrogen or release eggs regularly. This condition often leads to infertility”.6

POI and Periods

Can women with POI have periods?

In Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency the AMS note:

“Women with spontaneous POI have irregular or no periods”.7

POI and Pregnancy

Can women with POI become pregnant?

In Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

“Spontaneous pregnancy may occur, especially after the diagnosis has been made, in up to one in 50 women”.8

POI and Menopausal Symptoms

Can women with POI have menopausal symptoms?

In Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency the AMS note:

“Women may or may not have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes”.9

POI Common or Not

How common is POI?

In Premature Ovarian Failure: How Common Is Premature Ovarian Failure? You and Your Hormones, An Education Resource From the (United States) Society for Endocrinology elaborate on:

“It is relatively rare, occurring in one in 1,000 women under the age of 30 and one in 100 women under the age of 40”.10

POI Symptoms

What may be POI symptoms?

In Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? What Are the Symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? the Medline Plus explain:

“The first sign of POI is usually irregular or missed periods. Later symptoms may be similar to those of natural menopause:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Pain during sex
  • Vaginal dryness

For many women with POI, trouble getting pregnant or infertility is the reason they go to their health care provider”.11

POI Video

Is there a POI video?

The British Menopause Society’s (BMS) BMS TV include Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video. The BMS explain:

“Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Mike Savvas, Consultant Gynaecologist, King’s College Hospital, and Member of the British Menopause Society medical advisory council answers these FAQs: What is POI? How is POI diagnosed? What are the health implications of POI? How do patients with POI present? How is POI treated? Should I take HRT? Can I still get pregnant if I have POI? What are my fertility chances if I have POI? Is HRT contraceptive?”12

Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences

What is the (Australian) Healthtalk Australia’s Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences?

In Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview Healthtalk Australia elaborate on:

“On this unique site you can read, watch and listen to stories of 30 women aged between 28 and 51 years, from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds living in Victoria, Australia, who have shared what it is like to experience early menopause (EM).

Women talked about being diagnosed with spontaneous early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), medically-induced early menopause, or menopausal symptoms as a result of cancer and/or other medical treatments.13

Health Care ProviderPremature Ovarian Insufficiency

What if I think I have POI?

If you think you have POI it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page of two of the IMS’s Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Can POI Symptoms Be Successfully Treated? the IMS note:

“Yes! Symptoms can be successfully treated with hormone therapy and managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise and emotional well-being”.14

In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms – When To See A Doctor the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“If you’ve missed your period for three months or more, see your doctor to determine the cause. You can miss your period for a number of reasons — including pregnancy, stress, or a change in diet or exercise habits — but it’s best to get evaluated whenever your menstrual cycle changes.

Even if you don’t mind not having periods, it’s advisable to see your doctor to find out what’s causing the change. Low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of heart disease”.15

In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: How Is POI Treated? the (United States) Hormone Health Network elaborate on:

“Treatment depends on whether you have symptoms or are at risk for serious health problems. Hormone therapy (HT) is the most common treatment. HT combines estrogen and progesterone, another sex hormone. HT relieves menopausal symptoms and also helps prevent osteoporosis. HT can be taken as a pill or applied to your skin as a patch. Vaginal rings can also supply estrogen to the body”.16

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  2. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  3. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  4. Can Combined Oral Contraceptive Be Used As A Hormone Therapy In Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency? [Video]
  5. Causes of Menopause
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  9. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  10. Daisy Network
  11. ESHRE Guideline: Management of Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  12. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
  13. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  14. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  15. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  16. Early or Premature Menopause
  17. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test
  18. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
  19. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women]
  20. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  21. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  22. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  24. Hormone Therapy In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  25. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  26. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  27. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  28. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  29. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
  30. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Heart Disease? [+ Video]
  32. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  33. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  34. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  35. Menopause and Depression
  36. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  37. Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  38. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  39. Menopause: Early (Premature) Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  40. Menopause: Information for Partners
  41. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  42. Menopause: Profiles: Early Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  44. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  45. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  46. Night Sweats
  47. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  48. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  49. N Z Early Menopause Support Group [New Zealand]
  50. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  51. Premature & Early Menopause
  52. Premature & Early Menopause – Fact Sheet
  53. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause
  54. Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology
  55. Premature Menopause Increases Risk of Chronic Health Issues
  56. Premature Ovarian Failure
  57. Premature Ovarian Failure
  58. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  59. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – An Update on Recent Advances In Understanding and Management
  60. Premature and Early Menopause
  61. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  62. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  63. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency – Why, Nearing 2021, Are We Still Debating “Treat or Not?”
  64. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Diagnosis & Treatment – Coping and Support
  65. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies
  66. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Diagnosis & Treatment – Preparing For Your Appointment
  67. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  68. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – How Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Diagnosed?
  69. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – How Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Treated?
  70. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Causes Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?
  71. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Other Problems Can Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Cause?
  72. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms & Causes [+ Video: Ovulation]
  73. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: What Are the Health Risks of POI?
  74. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  75. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  76. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  77. Turner Syndrome
  78. Turner Syndrome
  79. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  80. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  81. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Vaginal Dryness
  84. Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  85. Video Series-2020 – Bone Health What You Need To Know
  86. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  87. Video Series-2020 – What Women Need To Know About Heart Disease
  88. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  89. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  90. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  91. What Is POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency)
  92. What It Means To Go Red for Women [+ Video]
  93. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  94. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  95. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  96. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video]
  97. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020
  98. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020
  99. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 – Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) [Multiply Languages]
  100. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 – Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: An International Menopause Society White Paper [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology. Content Updated: September 2020. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/742-spontaneous-premature-ovarian-insufficiency Accessed: 30 September 2020
  2. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/world_menopause_day.php?year=2020 Accessed: 14 September 2020
  3. What Is POI: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Daisy Network https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk/about-poi/what-is-poi/ Accessed: 14 September 2020
  4. Menopause: Who Experiences Menopause? Last Updated: September 2016. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/menopause Accessed: 14 September 2020
  5. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology. Content Updated: September 2020. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/742-spontaneous-premature-ovarian-insufficiency Accessed: 30 September 2020
  6. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms – When To See A Doctor. 22 October 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ovarian-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20354683 Accessed: 14 September 2020
  7. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Content Updated: November 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-before-40-and-spontaneous-poi Accessed: 14 September 2020
  8. Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology. Last Updated: 14 January 2020. Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause Accessed: 14 September 2020
  9. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Content Updated: November 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-before-40-and-spontaneous-poi Accessed: 14 September 2020
  10. Premature Ovarian Failure: How Common Is Premature Ovarian Failure. Last Reviewed: February 2018. You and Your Hormones, An Education Resource From the Society for Endocrinology https://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/premature-ovarian-failure/ Accessed: 14 September 2020
  11. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? What Are the Symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Page Last Updated on: 30 April 2020. Topic Last Reviewed: 16 June 2016. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/primaryovarianinsufficiency.html Accessed: 14 September 2020
  12. BMS TV: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/publications/videos/bms-tv/ Accessed: 14 September 2020
  13. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview. Healthtalk Australia https://healthtalkaustralia.org/early-menopause-experiences-and-perspectives-of-women-and-health-professionals/overview-womens-experiences/ Accessed: 14 September 2020
  14. Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). 2020:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/b020e616ab5611e43fb66aaa56e36856.pdf Accessed: 30 September 2020
  15. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms – When To See A Doctor. 22 October 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ovarian-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20354683 Accessed: 14 September 2020
  16. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: How Is POI Treated? Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/primary-ovarian-insufficiency Accessed: 14 September 2020

Topic Last Updated: 18 November 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 September 2020
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
You might also like
Hormone Therapy and Menopause Symptoms
Know Your Numbers
Menopause Mood Changes
Menopause Map
Menopause Body Image
Menopause In Multiply Languages