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

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