CAUSES OF PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE
 (also known as Premature Menopause) (For more information about POF, see POF Fact Sheet.)

Autoimmune Disorder

This is a common cause of premature ovarian failure. In fact, some recent studies have shown that up to two-thirds of the women with premature ovarian failure have it due to an autoimmune disorder. When this happens, your body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself. In effect, your body senses part of itself as an invader -- so it sends out antibodies to destroy this perceived threat. In the case of premature menopause, you may have antibodies to your own ovarian tissue, to your endometrium, or to one or more of the hormones regulating ovulation. These antibodies attack your reproductive system, and may interfere with and ultimately destroy your ovarian function. If you have a family history of autoimmune disorders or have one yourself (such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis), this may be the cause for your early menopause.

The site is www.earlymenopause.com

 

Last updated 4/6/04