What is ovarian hypofunction?

The decreased ovarian function reduces ovarian hypofunction before age 40 due to the production of female sex hormones. The cause is unknown or may be due to other underlying conditions, such as genetic defects or infections. It is characterized by normal serum levels of estrogen with very high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), indicating that the ovaries do not respond to FSH

Ovarian hypofunction can be classified into 2 types according to follicular degeneration or dysfunction:

· The ovarian follicles are degenerated, primarily due to an unknown condition, or due to a genetic disorder, autoimmune disease, endometriosis, infection, chemotherapy, and radiation to the pelvic area.

· The number of ovarian follicles is normal, but mature follicles do not function due to autoimmune damage.

· Women with this condition experience menopausal symptoms that include hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

· Ovarian hypofunction is sometimes called "premature menopause" or "early menopause." Women with this condition are less likely to get pregnant and more likely to develop osteoporosis.

· Ovarian hypofunction cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper treatment. So, consult with a infertility specialist doctor for proper treatment.

Symptoms of ovarian hypofunction

Women with ovarian hypofunction develop premature menopausal symptoms due to decreased estrogen production. In addition to:

· Irregular, reduced, or absent periods

· Fever is a sudden feeling of heat called "hot flashes."

· Night sweats

· Inability to conceive

· If ovarian dysfunction is due to adrenal insufficiency, people may have decreased appetite, salt cravings, low blood pressure, and skin pigmentation.

· If the ovarian dysfunction is due to hypothyroidism, people may complain of hoarseness and chills.

· Hot flushes

· Irregular or absent period

· Humor changes

· Cold sweats

· Vaginal dryness

· Ovarian hypofunction can also make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

Causes of ovarian hypofunction

Ovarian hypofunction is caused by genetic factors such as chromosomal abnormalities. It can also occur with some autoimmune disorders that disrupt the normal function of the ovaries.

· Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also cause ovarian hypofunction.

· Genetic defects associated with X chromosome abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, can lead to the absence of ovarian follicles.

· Infections such as tuberculosis and gonorrhea that affect the genital tract can damage the ovarian follicles and reduce their number.

· Chemotherapy and pelvic radiation cause follicular damage and degeneration.

· In some autoimmune disorders, such as thyroiditis or Addison's disease, the ovarian follicles become weak or inactive.

What are the risk factors for ovarian hypofunction?

Risk factors for ovarian hypofunction:

· Infections like tuberculosis

· Endometriosis

· Administration of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

One thing to keep in mind is that having a risk factor can make someone's situation worse. Risk factors increase the chances of getting a condition compared to a person without risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, the absence of a risk factor does not mean that a person will not develop the condition. It is always important to discuss the impact of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

Diagnosis of ovarian hypofunction

Ovarian hypofunction can be diagnosed with a detailed medical history and physical exam. In addition, the following tests and exams may be performed:

· A complete abdominal and gynaecological examination is performed.

· Urine and blood tests to exit pregnancy and measure hormone and ovarian antibody levels.

· Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, are done to see the status of the ovaries, and CT scans or MRIs of the brain are done to rule out other factors that affect the structure, such as prolactinoma.

· A blood test is done to check the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Levels of this hormone are higher than normal in women with ovarian hypofunction.

· Other blood tests may be done for autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease.

Women with ovarian hypofunction who wish to become pregnant are concerned about their ability to conceive. Women younger than 30 can have a chromosome test to check for problems. In most cases, this test is not necessary for older women entering menopause.

How is ovarian hypofunction treated?

Currently, there is no treatment for this disease. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to treat the underlying condition, help people become pregnant (if they wish), and prevent the side effects of reduced estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis.

· Hormone replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis

· Egg donation or embryo donation to treat infertility

· Family planning and adoption counselling

What are the complications of ovarian hypofunction?

The most common complication of this disease is infertility. Decreased levels of estrogen can lead to other problems:

· Osteoporosis

· Colon and ovarian cancer risk

It can be a serious emotional and psychological problem for most women, and some may require counselling and support.

How is ovarian hypofunction prevented?

Currently, It is an unavoidable condition in most cases. However, the following steps can be taken:

· For cancer patients who want to get pregnant (in the future), can preserve their ovarian tissue by cryopreservation before treatment.

· Practising safer sex can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and, in some cases, premature menopause.