[Premature climacteric as a special form of secondary ovarian insufficiency]

In western countries menopause is expected to occur at 50-52 years of age. Cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40 is defined as premature ovarian failure (POF). POF can be associated with chromosomal aberrations as well as with autoimmune diseases or general endocrine or metabolic disorders. Prevalence of POF is significantly increased in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for treatment of malignant diseases. In some patients however etiology of POF remains unknown. Therefore therapeutic options are limited. For counseling patients it cannot be over-emphasized that HRT is mandatory to prevent long term symptoms of estrogen deprivation.