One of the greatest fears of women who visit our North Carolina fertility clinics is the fear of premature ovarian failure or POF. As the name may suggest, premature ovarian failure is a condition where the ovaries are no longer functioning in women under 40. This results in a decreased production of estrogen and a lack of ovulation, making conception difficult. Understandably, women diagnosed with this condition have many questions and deserve answers to them. From our fertility doctors in North Carolina, here are some of our most-heard premature ovarian failure FAQs.
What causes premature ovarian failure?
In some cases, the cause of POF is unknown, in others, it can be due to underlying or co-current medical conditions. Some women are born with genetic factors, like an autoimmune disorder, that can cause POF. These factors may cause the ovaries to stop functioning normally or decrease the number of eggs produced.
With autoimmune disorders, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In some cases, this healthy tissue is a woman’s ovaries. Women with autoimmune disorders may be more likely to develop POF if they have a family history of the condition. Before your appointment at our North Carolina fertility clinics, be sure to brush up on your family’s medical history.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also sometimes culprits in premature ovarian failure. While these treatments kill off cancerous cells, they can also damage healthy cells, including the cells in the ovaries. Women who receive these treatments may be at increased risk of developing POF. Surgery to remove the ovaries may even be necessary to treat other medical conditions, such as ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, this surgery can result in POF if both ovaries are removed.
What are the symptoms of premature ovarian failure?
The symptoms of premature ovarian failure can be challenging to manage and may affect a woman’s quality of life. Women with POF may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, and difficulty becoming pregnant. When it comes to the latter, many women become concerned quickly, booking visits to North Carolina fertility clinics after just a few months of trying.
While we understand the frustration and worry, women are not actually considered to be experiencing infertility issues unless they’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months without protection. These symptoms can be distressing and may require medical attention from a skilled healthcare team. However, it’s worth noting that some women with POF may not experience any symptoms at all.
How is premature ovarian failure diagnosed?
At our North Carolina fertility clinics, if you suspect that you may have premature ovarian failure, your doctor may order blood tests to measure hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen. If your results show elevated levels of FSH and LH and low levels of estrogen, you may be diagnosed with POF.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that hormone levels can fluctuate, so your doctor may recommend multiple tests to confirm a diagnosis. For example, our fertility doctors in North Carolina may want to check your thyroid function or perform a pelvic ultrasound. As always, it’s important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
NCCRM | North Carolina Fertility Clinics
At NCCRM, we understand premature ovarian failure can be a challenging condition to understand and manage. While some patients may choose to treat it, we also have other options available, like egg donation North Carolina. However, with the help of a skilled and experienced team of professionals, women with POF may still be able to conceive. If you think you may have premature ovarian failure, you deserve to know. To schedule your appointment or learn more about our North Carolina fertility clinics, visit our website today.
