Premature Ovarian Failure

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40. (1) It affects 1%
of women by age 40 years and 0.1% by age 30 years. (2) It is characterized by amenorrhea , infertility, sex steroid deficiency and elevated gonadotropins. Although the cause of POF remains elusive in most cases,
elucidation of the multiple pathogenetic mechanisms has greatly improved the management of this complex
endocrine disorder. Furthermore, POF is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and from
diagnosis to treatment it represents a challenge for the clinician. This paper gives an overview of the etiology,
diagnosis and management of POF.