A GP guide to loss of ovarian function in younger women
Premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause are increasingly common and cause long-term comorbidity if unrecognised or undertreated
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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as loss of ovarian function before age 40, and early menopause (EM) as menopause occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.
A recent meta-analysis indicates POI and EM are more common than originally thought, affecting 3.7% and 12.2% of women respectively.1