Do etiologies of premature ovarian aging (POA) mimic those of premature ovarian failure (POF)?

Abstract

Presumed underlying etiologies with POA follow a similar distribution pattern as reported for POF. POA and POF may, therefore, represent a continuum in phenotypical expression of different etiologies of premature ovarian senescence. Like POF, POA should be considered reason to investigate underlying etiologies.

The CC-allele of the PvuII polymorphic variant in intron 1 of the α-estrogen receptor gene is significantly more prevalent among infertile women at risk of premature ovarian aging

“…A proportion of women with infertility may also have some degree of reduced ovarian reserve, but existing endocrine and sonographic tests have been shown to have limited diagnostic accuracy (1-3). Reduced ovarian reserve in women still having ongoing menstrual cycles and in women diagnosed with POF have been demonstrated earlier to represent a phenotypic continuum of premature ovarian aging (10). Early menopause is known to occur frequently among family members, suggesting a genetic background in many individuals.…”

Cutting edge assessment of the impact of autoimmunity on female reproductive success

“…Premature ovarian senescence affects approximately 10% of all women [51] and a significantly higher proportion of women receiving fertility treatments [52]. At least a third present with associated autoimmunity [53]. The importance of genetic predispositions toward autoimmunity will be subject of the next three sections of this manuscript.…”

Potential Etiologies of Unexplained Infertility in Females

“…Even though chronological age is the most important determinant of ovarian reserve, evidence has shown great variability in the rate of ovarian ageing [17]. Therefore, women with prematurely ageing ovaries (PAO) [18] may be mistakenly diagnosed with UI, since nobody would expect such fertility decline be based on their age alone.…”