[Premature ovarian failure]

Premature ovarian failure is characterized by secondary oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels above 40 IU/l before or at the age of 40. The incidence is 1:1000 below age 30 and 1:100 below age 40. In the majority of cases a cause can not be identified. The chance to conceive spontaneously after premature ovarian failure is estimated at 5-10%. There is no treatment available to restore ovarian function and increase the pregnancy rate. In vitro fertilisation using oocyte donation is the only successful fertility treatment option. Climacteric symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. In the absence of symptoms and when bone mineral density is normal there is no need for hormone replacement therapy. In the near future cryopreservation of ovarian tissue will offer some hope to women at risk to develop premature ovarian failure, e.g. women from families with familial premature ovarian failure and women scheduled to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy at a young age.