Poor ovarian reserve
Encyclopedia
Poor ovarian reserve is a condition of low fertility characterized by 1): low numbers of remaining oocytes in the ovaries or 2) possibly impaired preantral oocyte development or recruitment. Recent research suggests that premature ovarian aging and premature ovarian failure
(aka primary ovarian insufficiency) may represent a continuum of premature ovarian senescence. It is usually accompanied by high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.
Quality of the eggs (oocytes) may also be impaired as a 1989 study by Scott et al. of 758 IVF cycles showed a dramatic decline in implantation rates between high (> 25 mIU/mL) and low day three FSH (<15 mIU/mL) women even though the ages of the women were equivalent between the two groups (mean age 35 years). However, other studies show no association with elevated FSH levels and genetic quality of embryos after adjusting for age. The decline in quality was age related, not FSH related as the younger women with high day three FSH levels had higher live birth rates than the older women with high FSH. There was no significant difference in genetic embryo quality between same aged women regardless of FSH levels. A 2008 study concluded that diminished reserve did not affect the quality of oocytes and any reduction in quality in diminished reserve women was age related. One expert concluded: in young women with poor reserve when eggs are obtained they have near normal rates of implantation and pregnancy rates, but they are at high risk for IVF cancellation; if eggs are obtained, pregnancy rates are typically better than in older woman with normal reserve. However, if the FSH level is extremely elevated these conclusions are likely not applicable.
statistics show that the success rates for IVF with diminished ovarian reserve vary widely between IVF centers.
(FSH) level measured on day three of the menstrual cycle. (First day of period flow is counted as day one. Spotting is not considered start of period.) If a lower value occurs from later testing, the highest value is considered the most predictive. FSH assays can differ somewhat so reference ranges as to what is normal, premenopausal or menopausal should be based on ranges provided by the laboratory doing the testing. Estradiol (E2) should also be measured as women who ovulate early may have elevated E2 levels above 80 pg/mL (due to early follicle recruitment, possibly due to a low serum inhibin B level) which will mask an elevated FSH level and give a false negative result.
High FSH strongly predicts poor IVF response in older women, less so in younger women. One study showed an elevated basal day-three FSH is correlated with diminished ovarian reserve in women aged over 35 years and is associated with poor pregnancy rates after treatment of ovulation induction(6% versus 42%).
The rates for spontaneous pregnancy in older women with elevated FSH levels have not been studied very well and the spontaneous pregnancy success rate, while low, may be underestimated due to non reporting bias, as most infertility clinics will not accept women over the age of forty with FSH levels in the premenopausal range or higher.
A woman can have a normal day-three FSH level yet still respond poorly to ovarian stimulation and hence can be considered to have poor reserve. Thus, another FSH-based test is often used to detect poor ovarian reserve: the clomid challenge test, also known as CCCT(clomiphene citrate challenge test).
AFC and Median Fertile Years Remaining
Note, the above table from Silber's book may be in error as it has no basis in any scientific study, and contradicts data from Broekmans, et al. 2004 study. The above table closely matches Broekmans' data only if interpreted as the total AFC of both ovaries. Only antral follicles that were 2–10 mm in size were counted in Broekmans' study.
Age and AFC and Age of Loss of Natural Fertility (See Broekmans, et al. [2004])
AFC and FSH
Stimulation Recommendations for Cycles Using Assisted Reproduction Technology
Values in a row with unlike letters indicate significant difference at P<0.05.
SE = Standard Error of Mean
Premature ovarian failure
Premature Ovarian Failure , also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency , premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40...
(aka primary ovarian insufficiency) may represent a continuum of premature ovarian senescence. It is usually accompanied by high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.
Quality of the eggs (oocytes) may also be impaired as a 1989 study by Scott et al. of 758 IVF cycles showed a dramatic decline in implantation rates between high (> 25 mIU/mL) and low day three FSH (<15 mIU/mL) women even though the ages of the women were equivalent between the two groups (mean age 35 years). However, other studies show no association with elevated FSH levels and genetic quality of embryos after adjusting for age. The decline in quality was age related, not FSH related as the younger women with high day three FSH levels had higher live birth rates than the older women with high FSH. There was no significant difference in genetic embryo quality between same aged women regardless of FSH levels. A 2008 study concluded that diminished reserve did not affect the quality of oocytes and any reduction in quality in diminished reserve women was age related. One expert concluded: in young women with poor reserve when eggs are obtained they have near normal rates of implantation and pregnancy rates, but they are at high risk for IVF cancellation; if eggs are obtained, pregnancy rates are typically better than in older woman with normal reserve. However, if the FSH level is extremely elevated these conclusions are likely not applicable.
Etiology
- Natural decline of ovarian reserveOvarian reserveOvarian reserve is a term that is used to determine the capacity of the ovary to provide eggs that are capable of fertilization resulting in a healthy and successful pregnancy...
due to age. - Idiopathic.
- Genetic factors, such as fragile x syndrome. Approximately 20-28% of women with an FMR1 premutation (55-200 CGG repeats) experience fragile x primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and another 23% experience early menopause (i.e., menopause before the age of forty five).
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Adrenal gland impairment.
- Iatrogenic, e.g., due to radiation, chemotherapy or surgery, such as laserization of the surface of the ovary to treat endometriosis. Excessive laparoscopic ovarian drilling has been reported to cause premature ovarian failure. (The primordial follicles are located in the thin outer one-millimeter layer of the ovary.)
Diagnosis
There is some controversy as the accuracy of the tests used to predict poor ovarian reserve. One systematic review concluded that the accuracy of predicting the occurrence of pregnancy is very limited. When a high threshold is used, to prevent couples from wrongly being refused IVF, only approximately 3% of IVF-indicated cases are identified as having unfavourable prospects in an IVF treatment cycle. Also, the review concluded the use of any ORT (Ovarian Reserve Testing) for outcome prediction cannot be supported. Also Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services headquartered in Druid Hills, unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, in Greater Atlanta...
statistics show that the success rates for IVF with diminished ovarian reserve vary widely between IVF centers.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Elevated serum follicle stimulating hormoneFSH
FSH may refer to:* Follicle-stimulating hormone* Fox Sports Houston, a regional Fox Sports Net affiliate station for the Houston, Texas area* Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy* International Civil Aviation Organisation code for Flash Airlines...
(FSH) level measured on day three of the menstrual cycle. (First day of period flow is counted as day one. Spotting is not considered start of period.) If a lower value occurs from later testing, the highest value is considered the most predictive. FSH assays can differ somewhat so reference ranges as to what is normal, premenopausal or menopausal should be based on ranges provided by the laboratory doing the testing. Estradiol (E2) should also be measured as women who ovulate early may have elevated E2 levels above 80 pg/mL (due to early follicle recruitment, possibly due to a low serum inhibin B level) which will mask an elevated FSH level and give a false negative result.
High FSH strongly predicts poor IVF response in older women, less so in younger women. One study showed an elevated basal day-three FSH is correlated with diminished ovarian reserve in women aged over 35 years and is associated with poor pregnancy rates after treatment of ovulation induction(6% versus 42%).
The rates for spontaneous pregnancy in older women with elevated FSH levels have not been studied very well and the spontaneous pregnancy success rate, while low, may be underestimated due to non reporting bias, as most infertility clinics will not accept women over the age of forty with FSH levels in the premenopausal range or higher.
A woman can have a normal day-three FSH level yet still respond poorly to ovarian stimulation and hence can be considered to have poor reserve. Thus, another FSH-based test is often used to detect poor ovarian reserve: the clomid challenge test, also known as CCCT(clomiphene citrate challenge test).
Antral follicle count
Transvaginal ultrasonography can be used to determine antral follicle count (AFC). This is an easy-to-perform and noninvasive method (but there may be some discomfort). Several studies show this test to be more accurate than basal FSH testing for older women (< 44 years of age) in predicting IVF outcome. This method of determining ovarian reserve is recommended by Dr. Sherman J. Silber, author and medical director of the Infertility Center of St. Louis.AFC and Median Fertile Years Remaining
| Antral Follicle Count (Per Ovary [See comment below as these figures are under dispute.]) |
Median Years to Last Child | Median Years to Menopause |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | __ | 7.3 |
| 10 | 4.2 | 12.9 |
| 15 | 9.3 | 18.4 |
| 20 | 14.8 | 24.0 |
Note, the above table from Silber's book may be in error as it has no basis in any scientific study, and contradicts data from Broekmans, et al. 2004 study. The above table closely matches Broekmans' data only if interpreted as the total AFC of both ovaries. Only antral follicles that were 2–10 mm in size were counted in Broekmans' study.
Age and AFC and Age of Loss of Natural Fertility (See Broekmans, et al. [2004])
| Antral Follicle Count (Both Ovaries) |
Age at Time of Count | Age of Loss of Natural Fertility |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 30 | 29-33 |
| 6 | 35 | 33-38 |
| 6 | 40 | 38-41 |
| 10 | 30 | 33-38 |
| 10 | 35 | 38-41 |
| 15 | 30 | 38-41 (closer to 41) |
AFC and FSH
FSH
FSH may refer to:* Follicle-stimulating hormone* Fox Sports Houston, a regional Fox Sports Net affiliate station for the Houston, Texas area* Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy* International Civil Aviation Organisation code for Flash Airlines...
Stimulation Recommendations for Cycles Using Assisted Reproduction Technology
| Antral Follicle Count | Significance |
|---|---|
| < 4 | Poor reserve |
| 4-7 | Low count, high dosage of FSH required |
| 8-12 | Slightly reduced reserve |
| > 12 | Normal |
Other
- Declining serum levels of anti-müllerian hormoneAnti-müllerian hormoneAnti-Müllerian hormone also known as AMH is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the AMH gene. It inhibits the development of the Müllerian ducts in the male embryo. It has also been called Müllerian inhibiting factor , Müllerian-inhibiting hormone , and Müllerian-inhibiting substance...
. Recent studies have validated the use of serum AMH levels as a marker for the quantitative aspect of ovarian reserve. Because of the lack of cycle variations in serum levels of AMH, this marker has been proposed to be used as part of the standard diagnostic procedures to assess ovarian dysfunctions, such as premature ovarian failure. One study has shown AMH to be a better marker than basal FSH for women with proven (prior) fertility in measuring age related decline in ovarian reserve. - Inhibin BActivin and inhibinActivin and inhibin are two closely related protein complexes that have almost directly opposite biological effects. Activin enhances FSH biosynthesis and secretion, and participates in the regulation of the menstrual cycle...
blood level. Inhibin B levels tend to decline in advanced reproductive aged women due to both fewer follicles and decreased secretion by the granulosa cells. Inhibin B levels start to rise around day zero and low day three levels are associated with poor IVF outcome. - Ultrasound measurement of ovarian volume. Lass and Brinsden (1999) report that the correlation between ovarian volume and follicular density appears to only hold in women ≥ 35 years of age.
- Dynamic Assessment Following GnRH-a Administration (GAST). This test measures the change in serum estradiol levels between cycle day two and three after administration of one mg of subcutaneous leuprolide acetate, a gonadatropin releasing hormone agonist. Patients with estradiol elevations by day two followed by a decline by day three had improved implantation and pregnancy rates than those patients with either no rise in estradiol or persistently elevated estradiol levels.
- Home testing of FSH urine concentration to alert a woman to possible impaired ovarian reserve became possible in June 2007 with the introduction of Fertell in the United States and UK, which claims a 95% equivalence to standard serum marker results.
Treatment
Variable success rate with treatment, very few controlled studies, mostly case reports. Treatment success strongly tends to diminish with age and degree of elevation of FSH.- Donor oocyte. Oocyte donation is the most successful method for producing pregnancy in perimenopausal women. In the UK the use of donor oocytes after natural menopause is controversial. A 1995 study reported that women age fifty or higher experience similar pregnancy rates after oocyte donation as younger women. They are at equal risk for multiple gestation as younger women. In addition, antenatal complications were experienced by the majority of patients, and that high risk obstetric surveillance and care is vital.
- Natural or Mini-IVF, but without the use of hCG to trigger ovulation, instead the GnRH agonist Synarel (nafarelin acetate) in a diluted form is taken as a nasal spray to trigger ovulation. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has a long half life and may stimulate (luteinize) small follicles prematurely and cause them to become cysts. Whereas nafarelin acetate in a nasal spray induces a short lived LH surge that is high enough to induce ovulation in large follicles, but too short lived to adversely affect small follicles. This increases the likelihood of the small follicles and oocytes therein developing normally for upcoming cycles and also allows the woman to cycle without taking a break and consequently increases the probability of conception in poor ovarian reserve women and advanced reproductive aged women.
- Pretreatment with 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol three times a day for two weeks, followed by recombinant FSH 200 IU/day subcutaneously. Ethinyl estradiol treatment was maintained during FSH stimulation. When at least one follicle reached 18mm in diameter and serum estradiol was greater or equal to 150 pg/ML ovulation was induced with an intramuscular injection of 10,000 IU of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropinHuman chorionic gonadotropinHuman chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin is a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast .. Some tumors make this hormone; measured elevated levels when the patient is not...
hormone). For luteal phase support 5,000 IU of hCG was administered every 72 hours. Out of 25 patients 8 ovulated and 4 became pregnant. In the control group there were no ovulations. The patients ranged in age between 24 and 39 years with an average age of 32.7. All women had amenorrhea for at least 6 months (average 16.75 months) and FSH levels greater or equal than 40 mIU/mL (average FSH 68 mIU/ML). The researchers believe this protocol would work for women in early post menopause as well. - Ethinyl estradiol or other synthetic estrogens along with luteal phaseLuteal phaseThe luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle or the estrous cycle . It begins with the formation of the corpus luteum and ends in either pregnancy or luteolysis...
progesteroneProgesteroneProgesterone also known as P4 is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis of humans and other species...
(twice daily 200 mg vaginal suppositories) and estradiol support. Ethinyl estradiol lowers high FSH levels which then, it is theorized, up regulates FSH receptor sites and restores sensitivity to FSH. Ethinyl estradiol also has the advantage that it does not interfere with the measurement of serum levels of endogenous estradiol. During the luteal phase the FSH levels should be kept low for subsequent cycles, thus the phase is supplemented with 4 mg oral estradiol. Since conception may have occurred estradiol is used instead of the synthetic ethinyl estradiol. - Cyclical hormone replacement therapy.
- The following protocols have shown promise: high dose gonadoropins, flare up GnRH-a protocol (standard or microdose), stop protocols, short protocol, natural cycle or modified natural cycle and low dose hCG during the beginning of the stimulation protocol.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist conversion with estrogen priming (AACEP) protocol. Fisch, Keskintepe and Sher report 35% (14 out of 40) ongoing gestation in women with elevated FSH levels (all women had prior IVF and poor quality embryos); among women aged 41–42 the ongoing gestation rate was 19% (5 out of 26).
- DHEA: Recent clinical trial by the Center for Human Reproduction in New York showed significant effectiveness. Leonidas and Eudoxia Mamas report six cases of premature ovarian failure. After two to six months of treatment with DHEA (Two 25 mg capsules daily in five cases and three 25 mg capsules daily in one case.) all women conceived. One delivered via C-section, one aborted at 7 weeks and the remaining four were reported at 11 to 27 weeks gestation. Ages were from 37 to 40. FSH levels were from 30 to 112 mIU/mL. Ammenorhea ranged from 9 to 13 months. In addition, there is strong evidence that continuous micronized DHEA 25 mg TID reduces miscarriage and aneuploidy rates, especially above age 35.
- GlucocorticoidGlucocorticoidGlucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor , which is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell...
therapy. A recent (2007) randomized double blind study done in Egypt reported a statistically significant theurapeutic effect with dexamethasoneDexamethasoneDexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant...
pretreatment. Fifty-eight women with idiopathicIdiopathicIdiopathic is an adjective used primarily in medicine meaning arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause. From Greek ἴδιος, idios + πάθος, pathos , it means approximately "a disease of its own kind". It is technically a term from nosology, the classification of disease...
premature ovarian failurePremature ovarian failurePremature Ovarian Failure , also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency , premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40...
and normal karyotypeKaryotypeA karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of an eukaryotic cell. The term is also used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism.p28...
were divided into two groups of twenty-nine. The control group received placebo for twenty-eight days and then GnRH agonists plus gonadotropin therapy (hMG). The treatment group received dexamethasone for twenty-eight days (6 mg/ day) and then GnRH agonists plus gonadotropin therapy (hMG). (In both groups after the first twenty-eight days, and concurrent with the GnRH agonist treatment, the placebo or dexamethasone was gradually tapered off over ten days.) The treatment group had six ovulations and two pregnancies (p value of .02). The control group had three ovulations and no pregnancies. - A combined pentoxifylline-tocopherol treatment has been reported effective in improving uterine parameters in women with POF undergoing IVF with donor oocytes (IVF-OD). Three women with uterine hormonoresistance despite high estradiol (E2) plasma levels received treatment with 800 mg pentoxifylline and 1000 IU of vitamin E for at least nine months. Three frozen-thawed embryo transfers (ETs) resulted in two viable pregnancies. Mean endometrial thickness increased from 4.9 mm (with thin uterine crosses) to 7.4 mm with nice uterine crosses. This treatment protocol has also reversed some cases of iatrogenic POF caused by full body radiation treatment.
- TCMTCM-Arts and sciences:* Trinity College of Music, a leading music conservatory, based in Greenwich, London, United Kingdom* Theory of Condensed Matter group, a theoretical physics research group in the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge...
: There are reports in the medical literature of successful treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For example, a case history was published in 2003 by the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. Ovulation and pregnancy occurred after the administration of TCM medicine using concentrated extracts for a total of four nonconsecutive months in a 26 year old women with premature ovarian failure and secondary amenorrhea of eight years duration. Her FSH, LH and E2 levels were 80.4 mIU/mL, 19.6 mIU/mL and 25.8 pg/mL respectively. A modified version of zuoguiwan (左歸丸 restore the left pill) was prescribed for three months. After three months of treatment menstrual bleeding and a biphasic body temperature were noted. The patient then discontinued TCM therapy and at a new clinic commenced clomiphene citrate therapy. FSH and LH were still in the menopausal range (43 mIU/mL and 11 mIU/ml, respectively) after eights months of clomiphene citrate. Ovulation did not occur. She then returned to the first clinic and the same TCM treatment was resumed (one year after first commencing TCM treatment) and the patient conceived one month later and subsequently gave birth by Cesarean section to a healthy 3450 gram baby girl.
Unproven treatments with possible merit
- MelatoninMelatoninMelatonin , also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes...
: One double blind study showed that extended treatment with melatonin lowered FSH levels (only in woman with low initial nocturnal melatonin levels) and in some cases restored normal menstruation in early menopausal women. The authors state fertility was restored in the women with resumption of normal menstruation, however, no ultrasonography was done to verify follicular development and ovulation. One Japanese study (IVF-ET) showed improved fertilization rate (50.0% versus 22.8%, p < 0.01) and pregnancy rate (11/56 versus 6/59, result not statistically significant) in poor responders with treatment of 3 mg melatonin daily from 5th day of previous menstrual cycle. - MacaMACAMACA or maca can mean:* Maca * Mongol-American Cultural Association* Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance* Military Aid to the Civil Authorities* Member Australian Counselling Association...
: One double blind, placebo-controlled study of eight menopausal women between the ages of 45 and 62 showed a statistically significant decline in serum FSH levels after eight months of treatment with oral administration of capsules containing 2000 mg pre-gelatinized dried and pulverized hypocotyls of Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon). (See table below.) However, in perimenopausal women Maca elevated E2 and FSH. Though such supplementation may have led to statistically significant changes in FSH, this may be less likely to have clinically meaningful impact. The reason is that many IVF studies show no live births with FSH > 17-20 and case reports of live births (i.e. not just pregnancy with a miscarriage) with an FSH >25 are exceptionally rare.
| Hormone | Start of Trial | After Placebo (1 month) | Maca (2 months) | Maca (8 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSH mIU/mL ± SE | 54.3±1.22a | 59.7±1.35a | 47.3±0.93b | 39.3±0.90b |
| LH mIU/mL | 21.5±0.59a | 23.3±0.68a | 30.6±0.76b | 32.9±0.83b |
| PG (ng/mL) | 0.41±0.11a | 0.54±0.14a | 0.59±0.12a | 0.78±0.09b |
| E2 (pg/mL) | 32.9±3.72ab | 27.2±2.96a | 32.0±2.67ab | 35.7±2.09b |
Values in a row with unlike letters indicate significant difference at P<0.05.
SE = Standard Error of Mean
- Homeopathy plus herbs, vitamins and lifestyle changes may possibly help. An article by Liz Lalor titled "Fertility Success using homeopathy" outlines a protocol that she states has been successful in forty out of fifty cases of infertility. Of note is that two of the ten that failed later conceived in one IVF cycle and she writes: "it was reported back to me that the doctors were very surprised at the quality and numbers of eggs as well as the health of the endometrium."
Related animal research
- Recently, two publications have reported the renewal of ovarian follicles from germline stem cells. Prior to these papers it was believed that the number of oocytes was fixed.
- While the primary cause of the end to menstrual cycles is the exhaustion of ovarian follicles, there is some evidence that a defect in the hypothalamusHypothalamusThe Hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions...
is critical in the transition from regular to irregular cycles. This is supported by at least one study in which transplantation of ovaries from old rats to young ovariectomized rats resulted in follicular development and ovulation. Also, electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus is capable of restoring reproductive function in aged animals. Due to the complex interrelationship among the hypothalamusHypothalamusThe Hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions...
, pituitary and ovaries (HPO axis) defects in the functioning of one level can cause defects on the other levels.
Related conditions
- Premature ovarian failurePremature ovarian failurePremature Ovarian Failure , also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency , premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40...
: Defined as no menses for six months before the age of forty due to any cause. Often diagnosed by elevated gonadotropin (Follicle Stimulating HormoneFSHFSH may refer to:* Follicle-stimulating hormone* Fox Sports Houston, a regional Fox Sports Net affiliate station for the Houston, Texas area* Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy* International Civil Aviation Organisation code for Flash Airlines...
and LHLHLH, Lh, or lh may stand for:*Laurel and Hardy*Leasehold *Left-handed or left hand*Letterhead, the heading at the top of a sheet of letter paper*lh, a digraph for many languages...
) levels. In some cases (more so in younger women) ovarian function and ovulation can spontaneously resume. With POF up to 50% of women may ovulate once in any given year and 5-10% may become pregnant. POF is often associated with autoimmune diseases. - Premature menopause: A outdated synonym for premature ovarian failurePremature ovarian failurePremature Ovarian Failure , also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency , premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40...
. The term encompasses premature menopause due to any cause, including surgical removal of the ovaries for any reason. Early menopause and premature ovarian failure are no longer considered to be the same condition.