Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Book excerpt: Presenting the most current and relevant information on the diagnosis and management of primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature ovarian failure (POI/POF), this book presents two equally important voices. The first is the scientific, evidence-based voice discussing the latest information on POI/POF in a concise and logical fashion: etiologies, symptoms, genetics, mechanisms, associated conditions, as well as psychological and lifestyle considerations. The second voice presents the first-person stories of affected women, who are often faced with a diagnosis of irreversible infertility at a very young age and who somehow learn to live with great uncertainty about their ability to create a family – a core identity issue for many women. It is thus not simply a clinical, case-based presentation, but a more collaborative effort between clinicians who are well-versed in the field and women who have POI/POF. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Clinical Guide to Early Menopause will therefore be an excellent practical yet personal reference for OB/GYNs, reproductive medicine specialists, and any clinician, nurse or health care worker treating women living with POI/POF.