Premature Ovarian Failure
What is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is defined as the cessation of menses associated with high levels of gonadotropins and low levels of estrogen before age 40. The condition has also been termed “premature menopause.” One in every thousand women between ages of fifteen and twenty-nine, and one in every hundred women between the ages of thirty and thirty-nine is diagnosed with POF. POF was initially believed to be an irreversible condition, but is now known that ovarian failure is often intermittent, especially in chromosomally normal women. Case series have reported up to a 60% rate of subsequent ovarian function. Thus, this is a relatively common condition.
What are the symptoms of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?
Symptoms of POF are typically the absence of a menstrual period, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
What are the causes of Premature Ovarian Failure?
The causes of POF can be multiple, but usually involve a confused immune system, Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis issues, chromosomal defects, damage from pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy; or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Treatment for Premature Ovarian Failure with Chinese Medicine:
The POF diagnosis can induce a state of panic, but natural therapies have proven beneficial to restoring ovarian function. Premature ovarian failure is a failure of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis and the messages the brain sends to the ovaries. In Chinese Medicine we can improve blood flow to the ovaries, lower FSH, improve the immune system, and encourage ovulation naturally.
Western Treatment for Premature Ovarian Failure (POF):
Use of GnRH, estradiol and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) haven’t proved to be effective. Neither Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) nor human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) have shown to be effective in stimulating follicles to ovulate. This is because it is likely your body already is producing large quantities of FSH and LH in an effort to get your ovaries to respond. Adding more hMG is unlikely to produce a reaction, as that is not where the problem lies. Recently a study using Danazol on the theory that it would improve follicle activity and induce ovulation was tried but it hasn’t shown any success. Neither have FSH drugs, and especially clomid (an anti-estrogen), will turn the switch off for good with POF patients when the body has stopped responding to its own FSH. Different research articles and reports have suggested that high-dose, long-term prednisone therapy may be useful in treating autoimmune ovarian failure. However, prednisone, when used in high-dose for a long-term has substantial side effects.
For additional information as well as support contact The Premature Ovarian Failure Support Group at www.pofsupport.org
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