Primary ovarian insufficiency, previously known as premature ovarian failure, is a condition that affects women well before they would typically reach menopause. A healthy woman’s ovaries produce estrogen, a hormone that regulates menstrual periods and fertility. However, as women age, their ovaries naturally cease estrogen production. In some cases, ovaries may stop functioning long before the expected onset of menopause (usually around the age of 51). If you are under 40, experiencing a cessation of egg production, and your menstrual periods have stopped, it may be indicative of primary ovarian insufficiency.
Causes
Within the ovaries are small sacs called follicles, which hold eggs as they mature. Girls are typically born with around 2 million eggs, which develop into these follicles and last until menopause. In primary ovarian insufficiency, follicles either deplete or malfunction, potentially influenced by genetic factors such as autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, genetic disorders like Fragile X syndrome and Turner syndrome, or viral infections. The likelihood of this condition may increase if there is a family history, especially if your mother or sister had it.