Young women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) experience symptoms similar to menopause. For women with POI and no contraindications (like breast cancer), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends hormone replacement therapy. This includes the use of prescription estrogen therapy until around age 50 to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urogenital atrophy. Some women may require vaginal estrogen in addition to systemic estrogen. Young women with POI should have an annual thyroid exam as they are at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.[1]
In addition to medical management, women with POI may find the following lifestyle interventions helpful: eat a diet rich in calcium, maintain adequate vitamin D levels, perform weight-bearing exercises, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoid smoking.[2]
References
- ^Committee Opinion No. 698: Hormone Therapy in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.Obstet Gynecol.(2017 May)
- ^Rose Marino, Madhusmita MisraBone health in primary ovarian insufficiencySemin Reprod Med.(2011 Jul)