POI May Show Symptoms Of Menopause In Early 30s

But pregnancy can take place.

- Rajendra Kumar Rai

Somya, at the age of 38 had menstrual irregularities for the past eight months. When she didn’t have periods for three months, she was excited about pregnancy. The tests were negative, so she thought it to be menopause, but had a cycle the next month itself. Confused, she made a visit to an IVF hospital, wherein with several tests she was diagnosed for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).

She was educated that she still has chances to get pregnant as POI is different from pre-menopause. A blood test was done in order to study the complete study, with levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) found high which are responsible for generating oestrogen. This also indicated low levels of oestrogen, responsible for fertility. Luteinising hormone, which signals a mature follicle to release egg, was also on the high side. These tests were enough to confirm that the follicles are not functioning normally.

Follicle dysfunction being her major cause for POI, she was recommended for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is usually a combination of an oestrogen and a progestin which gives the body the estrogen and other hormones that the ovaries are not making. She started having regular periods again and her luteinising hormone levels were found to be reduced, which indicates better ovulation.

Dr Arvind Vaid an IVF expert explains the difference between POI Vs menopause. In the past, POI used to be called “premature menopause” or “premature ovarian failure,” but those terms do not accurately describe what happens in a woman with POI. Many women naturally experience reduced fertility when they are around 40 years old. This age may mark the start of irregular menstrual periods that signal the onset of menopause. A woman who has gone through menopause will never have another normal period and cannot get pregnant.