[Premature ovarian insufficiency--a threat to a woman's health?]

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by cessation of menstruation and elevated follicle stimulating hormone levels before the age of 40. Patients may have hypoestrogenic symptoms such as hot flushes. Most cases are idiopathic but the underlying mechanisms can be genetic, autoimmune-based or iatrogenic. Long-term deprivation of estrogen has serious implications for cardiovascular health and bone density. Early impaired fertility and infertility may be the main concerns for the patients. Hormone replacement therapy until the normal age of menopause is recommended, even though the scientific evidence is inadequate. The only proven method of achieving pregnancy in these patients is by ovum donation.