title: [Premature ovarian failure: present aspects].
abstract: Premature ovarian failure occurs in approximately 1:1000 women before 30 years, 1:250 by 35 years and 1:100 by the age of 40. It is characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhea and cannot be considered as definitive because spontaneous conception may occur in 5 to 10% of cases. In 95% of cases, premature ovarian failure is sporadic. The known causes of premature ovarian failure include chromosomal defects, autoimmune diseases, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and certain drugs. Frequently, however, the etiology is not clear and these cases are considered to be idiopathic. Premature ovarian failure is defined by gonadal failure and high serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Clinical approach includes emotional support, hormonal therapy with estrogens and progesterone or progestogens, infertility treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis and potential cardiovascular risk.
authors.affiliation: Unidade de Endocrinologia Ginecológica, Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre.
authors.forename: Luiz Cesar
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Vilodre
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moretto
authors.forename: Maria Beatriz da Fonte
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Kohek
authors.forename: Poli Mara
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Spritzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005496:Follicular Atresia / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000209:etiology; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000002:abnormalities; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011962:Receptors, FSH / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins; D011962:Receptors, FSH; D011374:Progesterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone