Premature Ovarian Failure (POI) Treatment in Kolkata — Options Still Exist

Understanding This Condition

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), previously called premature ovarian failure, occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40 — causing irregular or absent periods, low estrogen, elevated FSH, and significantly reduced fertility. Unlike natural menopause, POI can be intermittent — occasional spontaneous ovulation still occurs in some women. Causes include genetic (Turner syndrome, FMR1 premutation), autoimmune destruction of ovarian tissue, previous chemotherapy/radiation, or idiopathic (unknown).

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Women under 40 with irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness; those with FSH above 25 IU/L on two tests taken a month apart; women with a family history of early menopause; those diagnosed via karyotyping with Turner syndrome or other chromosomal causes.

Treatment Options

• 1Step 1: Hormonal confirmation — FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH (usually very low or undetectable), antral follicle count
• 2Step 2: Genetic testing — karyotype, FMR1 premutation testing
• 3Step 3: Autoimmune panel — thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian antibodies
• 4Step 4: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — essential for bone and heart health while planning fertility
• 5Step 5: If own eggs still possible (intermittent function) — aggressive monitoring for spontaneous follicle development
• 6Step 6: Donor egg IVF — the most reliable pathway to pregnancy, with 55–65% success rates