Premature ovarian insufficiency

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

onset of menopausal symptoms and elevated gonadotrophin levels before the age of 40 years.

Question 2

how many women are affected?

Answer 2

It occurs in around 1 in 100 women.

Question 3

causes

Answer 3

1. idiopathic
2. bilateral oophrectomy
3. radiotherapy
4. chemotherapy
5. infection - mumps
6. autoimmune disorders
7. resistant ovary syndrome - due to FSH receptor abnormalities

Question 4

features

Answer 4

climacteric symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats

infertility

secondary amenorrhoea

raised FSH, LH levels
e.g. FSH > 40 iu/l
elevated FSH levels should be demonstrated on 2 blood samples taken 4–6 weeks apart

low oestradiol
e.g. < 100 pmol/l

Question 5

Mx

Answer 5

HRT

or

COCP