Primary ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure)

Primary ovarian insufficiency means the ovaries slow down or stop their normal function before age 40, producing less estrogen and releasing eggs irregularly or not at all. It has several possible causes, including genetic factors, medical treatments such as chemotherapy, and, in a portion of cases, an autoimmune process such as autoimmune oophoritis. The older term 'premature ovarian failure' is being retired in favor of 'insufficiency' because research shows ovarian function can fluctuate and intermittently return rather than stopping permanently.

A large meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of primary ovarian insufficiency at roughly 3.5 to 3.7 percent of women, with rates varying by region, and among women with an identified cause, autoimmunity was estimated to account for around 10 percent of cases, a similar share to iatrogenic causes such as surgery or cancer treatment.

Common signs

irregular or missed periods, hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, trouble conceiving, and mood or sleep changes.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.