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[Spontaneous pregnancies and premature menopause]
H Letur1, B Martin-Pont, P Fénichel
1Centre de fertilité, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, 42, boulevard Jourdan, 75014 Paris, France. helene.letur@imm.fr
Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is often considered irreversible, but some women experience a temporary return of ovarian function. This offers a 5-10% chance of pregnancy, even after in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Context:
- Premature ovarian failure (POF), characterized by hypoestrogenic hypergonadotropic amenorrhea before age 40, affects 1-2% of women.
- This condition presents significant challenges for women desiring children, as it is often perceived as permanent.
- The term 'premature menopause' is being replaced by 'premature ovarian failure' for psychological and physiological accuracy.
Purpose:
- To challenge the notion of permanent ovarian function cessation in POF.
- To explore the potential for intermittent and transient return of ovarian function.
- To analyze factors influencing prognosis and clinical management of POF.
Summary:
- A multicentric retrospective study by GEDO identified 27 pregnancies in 518 patients with POF or occult ovarian insufficiency awaiting oocyte donation.
- Literature review and study findings suggest a 5-10% chance of pregnancy, often occurring over 12 months after amenorrhea onset.
- Understanding POF physiopathology and prognostic factors is crucial for effective clinical management.
Impact:
- Highlights the possibility of natural conception in some POF cases, offering hope to affected women.
- Provides insights into the physiopathology of POF, guiding future research and treatment strategies.
- Informs clinical management by identifying factors that may improve prognosis for women with POF seeking pregnancy.