Do your homework to prevent premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure, commonly known as premature menopause or ovarian failure, is a condition that may cause infertility,Abnormal menstrual cycleHealth issues such as premature ovarian failure, worsening menopausal symptoms, and osteoporosis have profound impacts on women's health and should not be taken lightly. In recent years, more and more women are facing this problem, some even experiencing it at a younger age. What exactly is premature ovarian failure? How does it affect pregnancy and overall health? Let's delve deeper into this common yet often overlooked gynecological issue with the help of professional experts from obstetricians and gynecologists.

When it comes to "premature ovarian failure" or "early menopause," many people focus on the definition of "early." Dr. Tang Ai-shan, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, points out that while premature menopause is an outward manifestation, it's often linked to premature ovarian decline. Generally speaking, women typically enter menopause between the ages of 40 and 50, so menopause before or during their 40s can be considered a sign of premature ovarian failure.

Even if a woman has successfully conceived and given birth, if she stops menstruating before the age of 40, there are still certain health risks.female hormones, that is, estrogen, gradually decreases, which in turn causes a series of uncomfortable symptoms. For example, bone loss may accelerate, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in the future; the vagina may become dry, and it is easy to feel pain during sexual intercourse; in addition, some women may also experience similarMenopauseSymptoms of premature ovarian failure include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, premature ovarian failure not only affects fertility but may also have a comprehensive impact on quality of life.

So, once premature ovarian failure is diagnosed, what should be done? Dr. Deng said that ovarian function decline usually occurs gradually rather than being completely lost all at once. If the patient herself has no desire to have children, it is generally recommended to relieve related discomfort through hormone replacement therapy, that is, estrogen supplementation. For women with obvious menopausal symptoms, such drugs can effectively relieve hot flashes, insomnia and other troubles. The medical community generally believes that women who stop menstruating before the age of 40 should receive hormone treatment, and if they stop menstruating between the ages of 40 and 50, the need for medication should be assessed based on the severity of their individual symptoms. However, hormone replacement therapy usually does not need to be continued too late in life. It is recommended to take the medicine until around 50 years old at the latest, which is close to the age when most women naturally stop menstruating, because long-term use of excessive estrogen may increase the risk of side effects such as breast cancer.

Most women discover their ovarian failure only after experiencing irregular menstruation or when trying to conceive. Dr. Deng points out that many patients seek medical attention after repeated attempts to conceive, only to discover their ovarian dysfunction. Premature ovarian failure can lead to irregular ovulation. Normally, women ovulate approximately every 28 to 30 days, but with decreased ovarian function, ovulation can become erratic or even cease, reducing the chances of conception.

Doctors typically diagnose premature ovarian failure through a combination of blood tests, ovarian ultrasounds, and hormonal assessments. For example, the AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) level is a key indicator of ovarian egg reserve. Combined with clinical symptoms, it can help determine whether a patient's ovarian function is below age-matched. Furthermore, an ultrasound performed on days 2-3 of the menstrual cycle can also measure the number of basal follicles in the ovaries. This value is also age-related, and a significantly low level can be a sign of premature ovarian failure.

However, there is currently no medication that can reverse premature ovarian failure. Especially for women with premature ovarian failure who desire fertility, there is currently no medical method that can fully restore ovarian function or egg production. However, if ovarian function has only declined but menopause has not yet completely stopped, artificial ovarian stimulation can be attempted to promote egg production. This can then be followed by screening for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization to increase the chances of conception. Of course, success rates vary depending on individual age, physical condition, and remaining ovarian function. However, if ovarian failure is severe, restoring the ovaries to their original health is virtually impossible.

Regarding recent observations that cases of premature ovarian failure appear to be increasing, even among younger patients, Dr. Tang Ai-shan believes that actual clinical statistics do not show a clear upward trend. This discrepancy may stem from the fact that women in the past generally had children at an earlier age, making ovarian dysfunction less easily detected. Modern women, on the other hand, generally delay marriage and childbearing, with some not considering pregnancy until their 35s or even 40s. This makes it easier to detect ovarian dysfunction at a younger age. Furthermore, in the past, women lacked awareness of premature ovarian failure and would not proactively seek medical attention even if they had related concerns. Without blood tests or detailed examinations, a diagnosis is naturally difficult. In contrast, today, women are more aware of their health and are more willing to get checked out early, resulting in more people discovering premature ovarian failure at a relatively young age.

In summary, while premature ovarian failure is not uncommon, early detection and appropriate treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. For women planning to have children, if ovarian dysfunction is detected, it is recommended to discuss this with a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate possible assisted reproductive options to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.