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Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation
Published on: October 25, 2024
The overlooked and undertreated perils of premature ovarian insufficiency
Samantha F Butts1,2,3
1Chief, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA sbutts@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Abstract:
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is loss of ovarian function before age 40. Genetic, autoimmune, and iatrogenic causes are well defined, but 90% of cases are idiopathic. POI prevalence is estimated to be between 3% and 4%, with many cases undiagnosed or untreated. Affected individuals experience prolonged estrogen deficiency unless hormone therapy is instituted to restore physiologic levels. Untreated POI is associated with multiple health risks, including premature death due to cardiovascular disease.
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