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Premature Ovarian Failure Overview

Premature ovarian failure (POF), now termed primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is defined as primary gonadal failure occurring in women under the age of 40. The definition of female primary gonadal failure includes ovarian failure accompanied by elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels. This condition not only affects reproductive health but also has multiple impacts on psychological well-being, the endocrine system, and bone metabolism. Some patients have no obvious early symptoms, making the condition easily overlooked and leading to missed intervention opportunities. Early recognition and treatment are therefore especially important.

Prevalence Worldwide

In Western countries, premature ovarian failure has gained much attention. About 1% of women in the United States experience ovarian decline before the age of 40. Clinical data from the UK, Germany, and other countries show a trend toward younger onset, with urban women being more susceptible.

In Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea, factors such as environmental stress, lifestyle changes, and irregular diets increase the risk of premature ovarian failure. In recent years, the number of reported cases in China has risen steadily, though public awareness remains insufficient.

Main Hazards

1. Impaired Fertility

Premature ovarian failure causes a rapid decline in follicle reserve, reducing natural ovulation and leading to infertility or early miscarriage, seriously affecting family planning.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

This condition leads to a sharp drop in estrogen levels, causing early menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood instability, reducing quality of life and increasing the risk of depression.

3. Decreased Bone Density

Reduced estrogen accelerates calcium loss from bones, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.

4. Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Premature ovarian failure is associated with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is significantly higher compared to healthy women, requiring long-term monitoring and intervention.

5. Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases

Young women with POI are also at higher risk of developing autoimmune hypothyroidism, and should undergo appropriate screening.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy has become a cutting-edge approach for treating premature ovarian failure in recent years. It works by activating local tissue regeneration mechanisms, restoring the ovarian microenvironment, and enhancing follicle activity.

① Helps restore hormone secretion, alleviating menopausal symptoms.

② May restart ovulation, improving fertility.

③ In combination with assisted reproductive technologies, can increase success rates.

④ Gentler than hormone therapy, suitable for patients intolerant to hormones.

⑤ Delays further ovarian decline and improves overall health.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT alleviates symptoms by supplementing estrogen and progesterone, effectively controlling hot flashes and mood swings and significantly improving quality of life. However, long-term monitoring of breast and cardiovascular risks is necessary.

2. Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation are important options for fertility. Patients with residual follicles may attempt natural pregnancy after combined hormone and stem cell therapy.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM emphasizes kidney deficiency as the root cause and uses herbal medicine to regulate menstruation and improve constitution. Combined with acupuncture and dietary therapy, it enhances immunity and ovarian activity, helping to relieve symptoms.

4. Psychological Intervention and Counseling

Patients often experience anxiety and depression. Professional counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy help regulate emotions, improve treatment compliance, and enhance quality of life.

5. Nutrition and Lifestyle Adjustments

Foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as soybeans and nuts, help regulate the endocrine system. Avoiding late nights, crash diets, and prolonged stress is essential to reduce negative impacts on the ovaries.

6. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

Bone density issues are common in women with premature ovarian failure. Proper supplementation with calcium and vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone health.

7. Individualized Treatment Planning

Treatment plans should be personalized based on patient age, hormone levels, and ovarian function, improving accuracy and outcomes while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

Conclusion

Premature ovarian failure has profound effects on women’s health and family planning, and deserves serious attention. Experts at United Life International Medical Center point out that stem cell therapy, combined with multidisciplinary interventions, offers new hope for patients, and timely intervention is crucial to achieve the best outcomes.