Editor’s notes: This guide was originally created by the International Premature Ovarian Failure Association (IPOFA), which is no longer active. We are honored at The Infertility Voice™ to be able to host it online in perpetuity.
A note about names: At The Infertility Voice™, we address this particular diagnosis by “premature ovarian failure” (POF), the more common name. It is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Here’s an excellent explanation of the nomenclature from the NIH.
Browse the guide online using the Table of Contents to the right or download the complete FAQ Guide as a PDF.
References
- Anasti J et al. “Bone Loss in Young women with Karyotypically Normal Spontaneous POF.” Obstetrics & Gynecology. 1998;91,1,12-15.
- Baber R, Abdalla H, Studd J. “The Premature Menopause.” Progress in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1993;209-226.
- Bonnick S. The Osteoporosis Handbook. Dallas, TX. Taylor Publishing company. 1997.
- Coulam CB, Adamsom SC, Annegers JF. “Incidence of premature ovarian failure.” Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1986;67:604-606.
- Gordeski GL. “Premature Menopause.” Menopause Management. 1997;10-17.
- Lark S. The Estrogen Decision; Self Help Book. Berkeley, CA. Celestial Arts. 1995.
- Lauersen N, Whitney S. It’s Your Body: A Woman’s Guide to Gynecology. New York. The Putnam Publishing Group. 1993.
- Lieman H, Santoro N. “Premature Ovarian Failure: A Modern Approach to Diagnosis and
Treatment.” The Endocrinologist. 1997;7:314-321. - Nelson LM, Anasti JN, Flack MR. “Premature Ovarian Failure.” Reproductive Endocrinology, Surgery, and Technology. 1996;Chapter 71;1394-1410.
- Statistical Abstract of the US. 116th edition. 1996;15.
- Turner Syndrome. Brochure made possible through Serono Symposia, USA, HGF.102 10M.1/94
- Van Dyne L. “Last Best Hope.” The Washingtonian. 1997;32;12 78-83+.
- Weschler T. Taking Charge of Your Fertility. New York. HarperCollins, 1995.
Copyright Information
The information in this booklet and online guide is the property of The International Premature Ovarian Failure Association, Inc. (IPOFA). It may be reproduced if IPOFA is cited. Preparation of this booklet was made possible, in part, through a grant from the Endocrine Nurses Society.
The International Premature Ovarian Failure Association, Inc. (IPOFA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, international organization whose mission is to provide community, support and information to women with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) and their loved ones; to increase public awareness and understanding of POF; and to work with health care professionals to better understand this condition.
First printing: March 1998
Revised: December 1998; Reviewed by Dr. R. Rebar
Revised: August 2004; Reviewed by Laurence A. Jacobs, MD
