Premature ovarian insufficiency: the context of long-term effects

Abstract

PurposePremature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the cessation of the ovarian function before the age of 40 years. POI aetiology may be related to iatrogenic or endogenous factors and in many cases remains unclear. The aim of this review was to characterize the long-term consequences of POI.MethodsThe available literature regarding the long-term consequences of POI from MEDLINE has been reviewed.ResultsLack of ovarian steroids synthesis has serious consequences for women’s health. The short-term effects are similar to spontaneous menopause and refer mainly to the climacteric syndrome. In a longer perspective, POI affects a variety of aspects. It obviously and drastically reduces the chances for spontaneous pregnancies. Oestrogen loss leads also to urogenital atrophy. The most common urogenital symptoms include vaginal dryness, vaginal irritation and itching. The urogenital atrophy and hypoestrogenism interferes also with sexual functioning. Patients with POI are threatened by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). POI women also experience psychological distress and some studies have shown an increased risk of neurodegenerating diseases. Overall, POI women have a shortened life expectancy, mainly due to cardiovascular disease. Some studies have reported a reduced risk of breast cancer in this group of patients.ConclusionsIn conclusion there are several well-characterized health risks in POI women. With every patient, an individualized approach is required to properly recognize and prevent these risks.

Role of microRNAs in premature ovarian insufficiency

“…POI is typical of reduced follicle pool and follicle dysfunction in the ovary and a severe endocrine and reproductive disorder with significant health implications [4]. POI affects the physical and emotional well-being in a woman, resulting in the disorders of the genital tract, poor sexual function, bone and cardiovascular disorder, and cognitive dysfunction [5].…”

Comparison of Various Tissue and Cell Therapy Approaches When Restoring Ovarian, Hepatic and Kidney’s Function After Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Failure

“…Premature ova rian failure (POF) is observed in 1% of women under 40 and 0.1% under 30 years, among those 37% is due to iatrogenic causes (mainly after onco logy treat ment), 25% -to idiopathic, 19% -to genetic, 19%to autoimmune [1,2]. Complications of premature menopause are not only the lack of fertility, decreased libido and amenorrhea, but also a sharp deterioration in the quality of life, psychoemotional disorders, os teoporosis, increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases and strokes [3,4]. Traditional hormone therapy requires constant drug intake, has a number of limitations, does not restore fertility and does not correct pathological changes in target organs [5].…”

Premature ovarian insufficiency – to treat or not to treat?

“…The effectiveness of HRT for hot flashes treatment is proved only for cohort of patients with artificial early menopause. There are any trials, devoted to HRT effectiveness for hot flashes by spontaneous POI [33].…”