Before the age of 40, the ovaries cannot function normally. This means that they cannot produce the hormone estrogen, which leads to infertility and other problems. This disease is very similar to early menopause. But the two diseases are not exactly the same. Women in early menopause no longer menstruate. In ovarian failure, however, they may have menstrual periods for many years and may even become pregnant. Some problems such as osteoporosis can be prevented with estrogen therapy in women with ovarian failure. However, in terms of infertility, treatment is somewhat difficult.
What are the Symptoms?
The most common symptom is irregular or late menstruation, missed periods. Sometimes this may have been going on for years. Or it may have started after pregnancy or after stopping birth control pills. Other symptoms are just like the symptoms of menopause. Complaints related to estrogen deficiency such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness and emotional sensitivity are observed.
Why Does It Happen?
The ovaries contain eggs in thousands of immature follicles. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, a small number of follicles begin to mature with the hormone secreted from the brain. Only one of them matures fully. This one releases estrogen. With the rising estrogen hormone, the release of the hormone from the brain is stopped. If the follicle does not mature sufficiently and does not produce enough estrogen, the release of hormones from the brain continues and blood levels rise. In ovarian failure, there are no follicles left in the ovaries to respond to this hormone or the follicle response is inadequate. The causes can be chromosomal disorders, certain toxins (chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy, smoking, chemical poisons and some viruses). But sometimes the cause is not known exactly.
What are the Risk Factors?
There are several factors that increase the risk;
Age: The risk increases with age. While it is seen in one in 250 people at the age of 35, this rate increases to 1% in the 40s. Family history: If someone in your family has ovarian failure, you are more likely to have it. 10% of cases are familial.
When to see a doctor?
If you have missed your period for more than three months, you should see your doctor. There can be many reasons for this. For example, pregnancy, stress, changes in your eating and exercise habits. It is best to find out why this is happening. Ovarian failure is difficult to deal with, especially if you are planning to have children. Psychiatric help may also be needed if you tend to become depressed.
How is the diagnosis made?
To diagnose ovarian failure, your doctor will ask many questions. Your complaints, menstrual pattern, previous illnesses and treatments (especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy) will be investigated. After your examination, some blood tests will be done. These include pregnancy tests, hormone tests and chromosome tests.
What Can It Lead To?
Infertility It is a major problem for women who want to have children. However, there is still a small chance of conception and a problem-free birth. Osteoporosis: The hormone estrogen helps to strengthen bones. Women with low estrogen levels have weaker bones and an increased risk of fractures.
Addison’s disease: This is a disease of the gland above the kidney that secretes hormones. There is a deficiency in the release of certain hormones that control many functions in the body. If left untreated, it can be fatal. In some cases of ovarian failure, there is an increased risk of developing Addison’s disease. Depression or depression: Infertility and other problems associated with low estrogen levels can cause depression and depression.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment of ovarian failure is usually directed at estrogen deficiency. By replacing estrogen, osteoporosis is prevented and complaints such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes are reduced. Progesterone is also given to maintain the body’s natural balance. Hormone medications can be taken orally as pills or applied through the skin as gels or patches. This continues until the average age of menopause, around 50 years.
Some women are hesitant about hormone therapy because of the risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer in older women. However, in young women with ovarian failure, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the potential risks. Osteoporosis should be prevented with calcium and vitamin D supplements. There is no proven treatment for infertility due to ovarian failure. However, in vitro fertilization can be tried.
In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm under laboratory conditions and then implanting the fertilized egg into the woman’s uterus.
What to do?
If you want children, you may want to consider in vitro fertilization or adoption. You need to be careful about osteoporosis. Take calcium and vitamin D as well as a calcium-rich diet.
Make sure you exercise and stay away from smoking. Remember that you can lead a healthy life by receiving appropriate treatment and taking good care of yourself.