Fertility issues have been on the rise in recent years. There are several medical conditions that can disrupt a woman's reproductive health, which can consequently affect her chances of bearing a child. One such condition is primary ovarian insufficiency, and fertility is severely impacted in such cases. Also called premature ovarian insufficiency, this reproductive disorder occurs when the ovaries cease functioning before age 40. Let’s take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and complications arising from POI.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare medical condition that occurs when the ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40. This health condition causes the ovaries to produce less estrogen and release eggs less frequently. This leads to fertility issues. Here, it is important to understand that though this condition is similar to premature menopause, POI is a distinct reproductive disorder with its own unique traits. Women afflicted with POI can have irregular periods and even bear children, unlike premature menopause, where menstruation and fertility cease entirely.
POI is a complex disorder and the exact cause behind its emergence may never truly be identified. A few studies have pinpointed the following as potential causes of POI.
Stress can affect the normal functioning of ovaries, consequently leading to POI.
Genetic conditions like Mosaic Tuner Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome can cause POI in women.
Exposure to high levels of harmful radiation at work or for medical treatment may cause degradation of the genetic material in cells, subsequently increasing the chances of developing POI.
Women suffering from autoimmune conditions are likely to experience ovarian disorders like POI. An autoimmune response may lead the immune system to mistakenly attack ovarian tissue and damage it.
The following factors may increase the risk of developing POI.
It is a crucial factor that increases the chance of primary ovarian insufficiency in women. Women over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer from POI than women under 30 years.
If you have undergone any surgery involving your ovaries, then there is an increased chance of developing POI.
Women with a family history of POI are at an increased risk of POI. So, if your mother or sister suffers from POI, you are likely to suffer from the same.
The symptoms of POI are more or less similar to menopause. Some of the typical signs of POI are:
● Missed periods
● Vaginal dryness
● Anger
● Depression
● Problems in getting pregnant
● Hot flashes
● Sweats
● Low sexual drive
● Bad memory
● Low focus
Primary ovarian sufficiency impacts your fertility in several ways. POI leads to very low levels of the estrogen hormone and this leads to fertility issues in women. Women with POI have less chance of getting pregnant as they experience irregular menstrual cycles. It is quite difficult to anticipate your ovulation days, making it challenging to plan for pregnancy. POI also leads to ovarian issues, resulting in fertility issues.
Women with POI not only experience fertility issues. They may also experience other issues, such as:
● Osteoporosis
● Depression
● Cardiovascular problems
● Parkinson’s disease
One of the primary concerns women with POI have is about their chances of bearing a child. Getting pregnant with POI is challenging, and it is usually delayed as they ovulate inconsistently. However, women with POI can conceive naturally. If intercourse happens during ovulation, there are chances of conception. However, it is difficult to ascertain the exact days of ovulation when you suffer from POI. Egg donation is one of the effective POI treatment options that increases the chance of conception.
If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle or miss your periods for three months and notice symptoms like depression, hot flashes, night sweats, etc., consult your doctor. A complete healthcare check-up is a must when you constantly miss your periods. Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle and past medical treatments. Your doctor will perform a pelvic examination and may recommend a few tests, such as a pregnancy test, a hormone level test, and a karyotype analysis. A pelvic ultrasound may also be conducted to assess your ovarian health. Once these examinations and tests conclude, your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
The treatment for POI varies depending on your age, symptoms, and whether you want to get pregnant. Treatment options may include:
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most effective treatment courses for women afflicted with POI. This can help supplement hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, that your body is no longer producing. It can ease common symptoms like night sweats and vaginal dryness while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other health concerns linked to POI. This treatment may help restart menstruation, thereby enabling conception.
Though you may not have considered fertility preservation with POI, it has become a vital issue that requires careful thought and discussion. Fertility preservation is a technique that preserves embryos, ovarian tissue, or oocytes. This process will enable you to have a child despite the impairment of the reproductive system.
Your doctor may recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements to balance the estrogen deficiency. The dosage of these supplements is decided based on the bone density test results.
Adapting to a healthy lifestyle can help manage the symptoms of POI. Eat foods rich in calcium to keep your bones strong. Exercise regularly to keep your body fit. Manage your stress by involving yourself in stress-management activities.
Being diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency can seem like a huge setback, especially for those who are planning on starting a family. However, this health issue can be managed with timely diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining a positive outlook is vital to preserving emotional and mental well-being. So, try to focus on the things that can help manage the situation. Remember, with the right approach and mindset, it’s possible to manage POI and continue to pursue a fulfilling life.
Women with POI can conceive naturally. However, it can be quite challenging as you may not ovulate every month, and due to the irregular cycle, it is difficult to plan for intercourse during ovulation. Egg donation is an alternative way for women with POI to get pregnant.
Your healthcare provider will use physical examinations and diagnostic tests to reach a diagnosis. Usually, pelvic exams are conducted, and hormone levels are checked along with other blood tests. Your doctor will question you about your menstrual cycle, radiation exposure and other recent ovarian-related treatments.
HRT can help alleviate the effects of low estrogen levels and may even restart menstruation for women afflicted with POI. These could contribute indirectly to fertility by creating a more hospitable environment for conception.
