What causes premature ovarian failure in women? Beware of these triggers!

The female reproductive system is like a machine that needs constant care and maintenance, and must remain youthful and vibrant until age comes. However, with the increasing pressure of modern life, many women have experienced abnormalities in their bodies, with the reproductive system being the first to be affected. For example, premature ovarian failure is one of the serious problems faced by women. So, what causes premature ovarian failure in women?

Premature ovarian failure refers to a situation in which a woman who once had a natural menstrual cycle develops ovarian atrophy before the age of 45, with a decrease in menstrual volume, shortened menstrual period, longer menstrual cycle, and even persistent amenorrhea. The causes may be infection, iatrogenic premature ovarian failure, idiopathic premature ovarian failure and immune factors.

At the same time, clinically, the secondary sexual characteristics retract, and menopausal symptoms such as hot face, irritability, and easy to get angry appear; the woman is prone to catching colds, and the blood follicle-stimulating hormone level increases to more than 40 units, which is equivalent to the level of postmenopausal women; while the blood estradiol level is significantly low. Gynecological examination showed obvious atrophy of the internal reproductive organs and thin and congested vaginal mucosa. Ovarian biopsy was performed by laparotomy, and ovarian atrophy was observed. Microscopic examination showed that the ovarian cortex was filled with fibrous tissue, and no primordial follicles or other follicles of different levels were visible.

Causes:

1. Infection: Viruses such as herpes simplex virus and mumps virus can cause ovarian inflammation or immune ovarian damage, leading to premature ovarian failure. The decline of ovarian function is a gradual process. The vast majority of patients experience infrequent or irregular menstruation before the onset of premature ovarian failure. They may also experience perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability, and forgetfulness. Women age noticeably, have dry skin, and are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

2. Iatrogenic premature ovarian failure. Removal of both or one ovary before the age of 40 may cause dysfunction of the ovaries and other tissues, leading to premature ovarian failure. In the past, it was believed that after removal of one ovary, the other ovary could maintain normal endocrine function. Recent studies have found that after one ovary is removed, the hormone secretion of the ovary decreases, and the chances of osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms increase. In addition, invasive surgical procedures, such as repeated artificial abortions, should be avoided as much as possible;

3. Idiopathic premature ovarian failure. It is a secondary amenorrhea with no clear pathogenic factors and is the most important type of premature ovarian failure. It usually occurs during the childbearing age, and clinically presents with gradual or progressive infrequent menstruation, followed by amenorrhea accompanied by menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and irritability, and the internal and external reproductive organs are in a state of atrophy.