Definition: Premature ovarian failure (POF) occurs when ovulation stops prior to age 40. A diagnosis of POF is correct when a woman has gone at least 4 months without periods, estrogen levels are low, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is high as evidenced by two FSH tests at least one month apart.
POF is often mistaken for premature menopause, however, that phrase is inappropriate since menstruation infrequently occurs in some women who have POF. Premature menopause occurs when a woman fails to menstruate for one year prior to age 40.
Unfortunately, no treatment can restore normal ovarian function. Pregnancy is usually not possible for women who have POF. However, some women with POF do produce estrogen intermittently and ovulate, even with high FSH levels. In a small percentage of cases, POF reverses naturally.
