Primary ovarian insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency is reduced ovarian function before age 40, often causing irregular or absent periods, low estrogen, and reduced fertility. Ovarian activity can fluctuate, so the condition does not always mean permanent infertility.

Ovarian follicle: A structure in the ovary containing an immature egg and supporting cells that produce reproductive hormones. Loss or dysfunction of follicles is a common route to reduced ovarian activity.
Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual bleeding for a defined period in someone who previously menstruated. Absent periods can be one presentation, although irregular bleeding is also common.
Turner syndrome: A chromosomal condition in which some or all cells have one X chromosome instead of two sex chromosomes. It can cause ovarian dysgenesis and ovarian insufficiency at a young age.
Follicle-stimulating hormone test: A blood test measuring the pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle development. Repeated elevated results can support diagnosis when menstrual disturbance occurs before age 40.
Follicle-stimulating hormone: A pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles to develop and produce estrogen. Its level often rises when the ovaries respond less effectively.
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: Reduced gonadal hormone production accompanied by elevated pituitary gonadotropin levels. This hormone pattern describes the endocrine feedback disruption often seen in the condition.
Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency: Ovarian insufficiency associated with a premutation in the FMR1 gene. This identifiable genetic cause can inform family counseling and testing.
Karyotype: An organized display of a person's chromosomes used to identify chromosome number and structural differences. Chromosome testing can detect causes such as Turner syndrome.
Estradiol: The principal estrogen produced by the ovaries during the reproductive years. Reduced ovarian production can lead to low estrogen and related symptoms.
Menopause: The permanent end of menstruation after ovarian activity ceases, diagnosed retrospectively after twelve months without periods. Unlike typical menopause, ovarian function in this condition can fluctuate and occasionally resume.

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