Premature ovarian insufficiency refers to when periods stop before the age of 40 and it affects:
- 4 in 100 women under the age of 40
- 1 in 1000 women under the age of 30
- 1 in 10,000 women under the age of 20
What Is The Cause of POI?
The cause of POI is unfortunately unknown in 90% of women however, in some women it can be related to autoimmunity, genetics and certain infections (e.g. mumps, TB).
POI can also occur in young women who have had chemically-induced menopause (e.g. after cancer treatment) or a surgical menopause (surgical removal of the ovaries).
Will POI Affect My Fertility?
Some women with POI are still able to become pregnant with their own eggs whereas some might require egg donation.
How Is POI Treated?
Women with POI are recommended to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) up to at least the natural age of menopause which is 51 years in the UK because the additional years of oestrogen deficiency that they experience can lead to poorer health outcomes (e.g. osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease…etc). They are essentially replacing the hormones that the body would have otherwise been producing.
What Support Is Available?
The Daisy Network is a great charity that provides information, resources and a support network for teenagers and women affected by POI and their families.