Mechanisms of premature ovarian failure: reappraisal and overview.
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of the potential etiologies of premature ovarian failure (POF), with an emphasis on the chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations and autoimmune disorders.


METHODS
This article is based on a literature review of articles on POF using PubMed and MEDLINE for the years 1966-2005 using the keywords premature ovarian failure, trying to ascertain the possible mechanisms of POF reported to date.


RESULTS
The etiology of POF is still under investigation, even though a wide range of etiologies has been unveiled, encompassing genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, and iatrogenic (irradiation, chemotherapy) and idiopathic causes.


CONCLUSIONS
In the majority of POF cases, the etiology remains subtle.
Mahmoud
Mohamad S
MS
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Merhi
Zaher O
ZO
Yelian
Frank D
FD
D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D025064:Sex Chromosome Disorders / Q000150:complications*