Premature ovarian failure

Abstract

Forty women with premature ovarian failure (POF) arising post-puberty (PPOF) during the reproductive lifespan, underwent karyotyping, pelvic ultrasonography, hormonal assays, hematochemical and immunological examinations. In 52.5%, PPOF was idiopathic, while in 45% the cause was immunological and in 2.5% chromosomal.

The hormonal parameters were characterized by elevated plasma levels of gonadotropins (especially follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH), insulin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low levels of 17β-estradiol, prolactin, androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. One or more autoantibodies were present in 18 subjects (45%). Among the antibodies, the most representative were: antithyroid microsomal (21.5%), antinuclear antibody (20%) and antithyroid globulin (12.5%). Ultrasound showed that the ovaries were of normal volume (3.1 ± 0.3 cm³) in 14 women (35%) and significantly smaller (1.4 ± 0.4 cm³) in 26 (65%). Follicles were present in 10 women (25%). In patients with autoantibodies, ovaries were of small volume (n = 15, 83.3%) and had follicles (n = 6, 33.3%) in a significantly greater percentage compared to those without autoimmune etiology (n = 11, 50%; n = 4, 18.2%, respectively). Women with PPOF, all having secondary amenorrhea, presented significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins.

Key Words:

• Premature Menopause
• Karyotype
• Ultrasound
• Autoimmunity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G. Bugari

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.