Premature ovarian failure.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current knowledge about premature ovarian failure (POF) with an emphasis on recent developments regarding its management.


RESULTS
The incidence of POF is increasing largely due to improved survival rates of cancer patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Delayed diagnosis and management of POF leads to suboptimal outcomes. Anticipation and early detection of this condition in high-risk women by means of ovarian function testing, followed by early institution of appropriate management could improve outcomes. Choice of strategies should vary depending on the age of onset, associated symptoms and fertility aspirations of the individual, and should change with the patient's advancing age.


CONCLUSIONS
Early assessment of the individual's risk of developing POF, development of a strategic management plan, and timely commencement of infertility and hormone deficiency treatment, together with counselling in an integrated management plan should improve both the short and long-term health of those with POF.
Meskhi
Apollo
A
Academic Unit of Obs & Gynae, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Seif
Mourad W
MW
D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted