PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is common, affecting approximately 1% of women. It is defined as gonadal failure before the age of 40 and pa tients may clinically present with either primary or secondary amenorr hoea. This review concentrates on the clinical aspects of POF, with se quential discussion on the aetiology and epidemiology, clinical manife stations and relevant investigations, concluding with an overview of m anagement. In addition, the scientific basis for our current understan ding of POF is summarized to provide a comprehensive overview of the d iverse pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie this disorder. Despite the heterogeneity of causes of POF, the fundamental treatment principles are the same. In this review the initiation of hormone repl acement therapy in the younger woman and the importance of long term f ollow-up and treatment are emphasized.