Premature ovarian failure

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

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Definition

Premature ovarian failure refers to a loss of normal function of your ovaries before the age of 40. If your ovaries fail, they don't produce normal amounts of the hormone estrogen — which can lead to infertility and other problems. Premature ovarian failure affects about 1 percent of U.S. women.

Premature ovarian failure is sometimes referred to as premature menopause, but the two conditions are not exactly the same: Women with premature menopause stop having periods, while women with premature ovarian failure may have sporadic periods for years — and may even become pregnant.

Restoring estrogen levels in women with premature ovarian failure helps prevent some complications, such as osteoporosis, but infertility is difficult to treat. Women having problems conceiving a child may choose to explore other means of expanding their families.

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Symptoms