Primary ovarian insufficiency symptoms: When a woman’s ovaries malfunction before she reaches the age of 40, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) develops. In such cases, ovaries do not produce enough estrogen as usual or regularly release eggs. Infertility is commonly caused by this condition. The other symptoms include irregular periods and hot flashes. Primary ovarian insufficiency is also known as premature ovarian failure. However, the latter term has been dropped from use.

Confusion prevails regarding premature menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency, but these conditions are not the same. Women who have primary ovarian insufficiency can have occasional periods or irregular periods for years. They might even get pregnant. But, women with premature menopause stop their periods and cannot get pregnant.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help restore estrogen levels in women with primary ovarian insufficiency. Women can become prone to osteoporosis, heart disease, and brain stroke due to low estrogen levels. But with treatment, it is possible to prevent these conditions.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Symptoms

Primary Ovarian insufficiency symptoms are the same as menopause or low estrogen signs. They include:

Irregular or missed periods. Amongst many other symptoms, this might mark the case for many years. Besides, this condition may appear in a post-pregnancy period or after the stoppage of the contraceptive pills.

Trouble getting pregnant.

Sweats on days and nights and hot flashes.

Vaginal dryness.

Anger, depression, or anxiety.

The ability to concentrate and memory are affected.

Less sexual desire.

Causes

Primary ovarian insufficiency may be caused by:

 Chromosome changes: Genes make up chromosomes that are rod-like structures. Usually, those identified as women with a given sex when they are born possess two X chromosomes inside the cells. However, in the POI case, some females contain an X chromosome that contains the typical allele (normal chromosome) and the altered X chromosome. In this case, X chromosomes are fragile and they tend to break ( fragile X syndrome).

Toxins: Toxin-induced ovarian insufficiency: chemotherapy and radiotherapy are well-known factors. The medications we use have the potential to reach the genetic material in the cells and disrupt their functioning. Other toxins like those emitted by cigarette smoke, chemicals, pesticides, and viruses may lead to primary ovarian insufficiency.

Unknown cause: In most of the cases, there is no known cause of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The condition remains idiopathic. Your gynecologist may recommend some tests to find out the underlying cause.

Autoimmune disorders

In an autoimmune disorder, your immune system makes some protective proteins (antibodies) that attack the healthy ovarian cells by mistake and damage ovarian sacs or follicles that contain eggs. The cause of autoimmune response is mostly unknown, but certain viruses could play a role in triggering the unwanted immune response.

What are the risk factors for primary ovarian insufficiency?

The following factors can increase the risk of primary ovarian insufficiency:

Age: the risk increases at a peak age between 35 – 40 years. Many women are nowadays becoming prone to this condition at a relatively younger age, i.e., 30 years.

Family history: having a family history of this condition increases the risk. If a first-degree relative has this condition, the risk further increases.

Ovarian surgery: A previous history of ovarian surgery increases the risk.

What are the Complications of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency can lead to other health conditions, including the following:

Infertility: This is the major complication of POI. Women who develop this condition are unable to get pregnant.

Osteoporosis: Ovaries malfunction and do not produce adequate amounts of estrogen hormones. Low levels of estrogen hormone can lead to weak, and fragile bones and osteoporosis – which can eventually lead to bone fractures.

Anxiety and depression: women with POI become infertile and therefore, cannot get pregnant. Abnormal hormonal levels and the stress associated with infertility can make women prone to anxiety and depression.

Herat disease and Stroke: depleting estrogen levels prematurely can often lead to heart diseases and brain strokes.

Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment can help prevent these complications and other conditions associated with POI.

When to see your gynecologist?

Finding the right time to see their gynecologist can be hard for many women at home but having an appointment with an expert gynecologist can ensure a full gynecological health check; and, if necessary, preventive or treatment measures.

Get a check-up done by your gynecologist if you’ve been skipping your periods for three months or more to establish the reasons. You can skip your period for many reasons (pregnancy and stress are some of them) which may emerge due to a change in your diet or an excessive workload.

It is advisable to get a check-up from an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist if your menstrual cycle is characterized by certain changes or if you experience the typical primary ovarian insufficiency symptoms.

Declining estrogen level is the reason behind such a condition, which results in bones that are weak and brittle, called osteoporosis. A lack of enough estrogen also is a common cause of cardiovascular diseases.