Luteal phase defect as a marker of imminent ovarian failure

A case of premature ovarian failure in a patient serendipitously studied with regard to clinical and histologic parameters during the 2 years preceding her diagnosis is presented. Progressively decreasing ovarian function was observed, beginning with a luteal phase defect and culminating in afollicular ovarian failure. Concepts concerning the etiologies and pathophysiology of premature ovarian failure are reviewed, and similarities to the natural climacteric are discussed.