Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Ovarian hypofunction

Premature ovarian failure; Ovarian insufficiency

 

Ovarian hypofunction is reduced function of the ovaries (including decreased production of hormones).

Causes

 

Ovarian hypofunction may be caused by genetic factors such as chromosome abnormalities. It may also occur with certain autoimmune disorders that disrupt the normal function of the ovaries.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause ovarian hypofunction.

 

Symptoms

 

Women with ovarian hypofunction may develop symptoms of menopause, which include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Mood swings
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness

Ovarian hypofunction may also make it hard for a woman to become pregnant.

 

Exams and Tests

 

A blood test will be done to check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH . FSH levels are higher than normal in women with ovarian hypofunction.

Other blood tests may be done to look for autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease.

Women with ovarian hypofunction who want to become pregnant may be concerned about their ability to conceive. Those younger than age 30 may have a chromosome analysis to check for problems. In most cases, older women who are close to menopause do not need this test.

 

Treatment

 

Estrogen therapy often helps relieve menopausal symptoms and prevents bone loss. However, it will not increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Fewer than 1 in 10 women with ovarian hypofunction will be able to get pregnant. The chance of getting pregnant increases to 50% when you use a fertilized donor egg (an egg from another woman).

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You are no longer having monthly periods.
  • You have symptoms of early menopause.
  • You are having difficulty becoming pregnant.

 

 

References

Broekmans FJ, Fauser BCJM. Female infertility. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 132.

Bulun SE. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

 
  • Ovarian hypofunction - illustration

    Ovarian hypofunction is caused when the ovaries cease to function normally due to decreased hormone production.

    Ovarian hypofunction

    illustration

    • Ovarian hypofunction - illustration

      Ovarian hypofunction is caused when the ovaries cease to function normally due to decreased hormone production.

      Ovarian hypofunction

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Tests for Ovarian hypofunction

       

         

        Review Date: 5/16/2016

        Reviewed By: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.