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admin2024-05-27 23:06:592024-05-27 23:30:55Can I Get Pregnant if I Have PCOS?POI & Infertility
Treating Primary Ovarian Insufficiency with Hormone Replacement Therapy
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency – or POI – is a medical disorder in which a woman’s ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. POI was sometimes formerly referred to as “premature menopause” or “premature ovarian failure” in the past. However, contemporary medicine has recognized that these labels do not accurately characterize Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
The distinction between “early menopause” and POI is that a woman who has had menopause will never experience another monthly cycle and will be unable to conceive. However, a woman with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency may still have periods, albeit irregularly, and may still be able to conceive. Thus, POI is not truly an “early” menopause!
What symptoms are associated with primary ovarian insufficiency?
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency is generally identified by missing or irregular periods – medically referred to as “amenorrhea.” Additionally, many women who suffer from Primary Ovarian Insufficiency will exhibit symptoms that are remarkably similar to those associated with natural menopause, including the following:
- Hot flashes and “flushing”
- Night sweats
- Irritability & “moodiness”
- Inability to concentrate
- Decreased sex drive
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort, and/or itching
However, many women with POI do not exhibit these symptoms — and the first indication that something is wrong is when they are unable to conceive, at which point they consult a physician for “infertility.” Asymptomatic POI that has no overt symptoms is occasionally referred to be “occult” (hidden) or early Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
Variables that increase the likelihood of POI
Numerous factors might put a woman at risk for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. One of the primary culprits is heredity. Women who have a mother, sister, or other close relative who suffers from Primary Ovarian Insufficiency are more likely to develop POI themselves. Indeed, around 10% to 20% of women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency are believed to have a family history of POI.
Additionally, certain genetic disorders place women at a significantly increased chance of developing Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Experts believe that chromosomal abnormalities – such as “Fragile X Syndrome” or “Turner Syndrome” – account for around 28% of POI cases. Certain autoimmune diseases, some viral infections, and chemotherapy and other medical therapies can also induce or contribute to the development of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, too.
Thyroiditis, an inflammatory disease characterized by thyroid gland inflammation, is also extremely frequently linked with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Addison’s illness is another disorder related with POI, accounting for roughly 3% of cases.
Toxins such as cigarette smoke, chemical exposure (for example, in the workplace or cleaning industry), and pesticides can also accelerate follicle depletion, contributing to the development of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
Diagnosing Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
In addition to missed or irregular periods for four or more months, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency is best identified with comprehensive blood testing that is evaluated by a hormone expert like Austin’s renowned Dr. Ruthie Harper. Dr. Harper can identify Primary Ovarian Insufficiency with blood tests that look for elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and/or elevated estrogen levels.
Treating Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most often used therapy option for women suffering from Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Hormone Replacement Therapy replenishes the body’s estrogen and other depleted hormones that the ovaries are not producing.
Generally, when a woman with POI starts Hormone Replacement Therapy, she resumes her normal menstrual cycle. Additionally, hormone therapy will also alleviate other associated “menopause-like” symptoms, such as hot flashes, trouble concentrating, low energy and night sweats – as well as aid in bone density maintenance.
Recent studies also suggest that Hormone Replacement Therapy may even increase pregnancy success chances in certain women with POI — by reducing elevated luteinizing hormone levels.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency is often treated with combined estrogen and progestin. It is considered necessary to take a progestin in conjunction with estradiol to counteract the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining. Progestin combined with estradiol decreases a woman’s chance of getting endometrial cancer.
Typically, a woman diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency will continue to undergo HRT until she reaches the age of 50, which is when regular menopause typically occurs.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency | Austin
If you whish to conceive, and you have been diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency or you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of “early menopause”, it is essential to discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy with a fertility specialist.
If you live in the greater Austin area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Harper to discuss your options for treating Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. In many cases Bioidentical Hormone Replacement can offer a natural, safe and effective treatment for managing the symptoms of POI and restore ovulation and menstruation – which gives you the best chance of becoming pregnant in spite of POI.
Women’s Hormone Replacement Therapy | Austin: 512-343-9355
FERTILITY BLOG
Thank you for visiting our Blog, where Dr. Harper keeps you updated on the latest treatments, technologies and information in the field of natural fertility medicine.
Dr. Ruthie Harper opened her internationally recognized medical practice in Austin, Texas, in 1999. Since that time, she has consulted with more than 10,000 patients, offering the most advanced techniques in natural, holistic and integrative health and wellness.
Check back often for new and informative articles, as well as special offers and exciting events. Or call us today to schedule your fertility consultation … and take the first step toward having the family of your dreams!
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