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Information & Support |
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Our Mission: To provide community, support, and information to women with premature Ovarian Failure (POF) and their loved ones; to increase public awareness and understanding of POF; and to work with health care professionals to better understand this condition.
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Living with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) can be a complex and confusing journey. Every one's path is slightly different but we are here to help you navigate these uncharted waters by equipping you with resources, information, and support. POF is also referred to as premature menopause and premature/primary ovarian insufficiency.
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Possible Causes of POF |
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Many times the cause of POF is unknown. for a few women, some causes include: |
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Chromosomal/Gentic
- Turner Syndrome
- Swyer Syndrome
- Androgen Insenitivity Syndrome
- Premutation of Fragile X
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Enzyme Defects/metabolic
- Galactosemia
- Thalassemia majortreated with
- multiple blood transfusions
- Hemochromatosis
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Chemotherapy/Radiation therapy related Surgical
- Removal of the ovaries
- Multiple ovarian surgeries
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Viral infection |
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Abnormal gonadotropin (FSH & LH) secretion or action |
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Autoimmune diseases associated with POF:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Polyglandular failure i & ii
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Rhematoid Arthritis
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura(ITP)
- Diabetes
- Pernisious Anemia
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Vitiligo
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/Lupus)
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POF Facts: |
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POF is the loss of ovarian function prior to the age of 40. This is too young of an age to be considered natural menopause. It can Approximately 1-4% of the female population has POF.
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Symptoms include:
- Missing periods
- Hot fashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disruption
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Energy loss
- Dry eyes
- Painful sex
- Bladder control problems
- Low sex drive
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Consequences of POF : Health concerns include infertility, osteoporosis, and increased risk of heart disease. Approximately 6-8% of women will become pregnant after this diagnosis due to spontaneous ovulation. However, there is no way currently to predict who those women will be.
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