Prevalence and Risk Factors of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency/Early Menopause

Abstract

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause, defined as loss of ovarian activity prior to 40 years or menopause between the ages of 40 and 45 years, respectively, is associated with significant adverse health impacts. Recent data indicate that the prevalence of POI and early menopause is greater than was previously thought, affecting more than 10% of women. Biopsychosocial risk factors including genetic, autoimmune, reproductive, lifestyle, early-life, social/environmental, and iatrogenic have been associated with POI/early menopause or earlier age at menopause. However, establishing a causal role and the underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Understanding and clarification of these risk factors will facilitate prevention and risk minimization strategies to optimize women's health.

MicroRNA-146 attenuates lipopolysaccharide induced ovarian dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/NF- κB signaling pathway

“…Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) usually refers to women’s amenorrhea before the age of 40, accompanied by elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and decreased estrogen (E2) levels [ 1 , 2 ]. The loss of ovarian function leads to amenorrhea and atrophy of sexual organs and inhibits follicular growth and development [ 1 ].…”

“…The loss of ovarian function leads to amenorrhea and atrophy of sexual organs and inhibits follicular growth and development [ 1 ]. POI also includes premature ovarian failure (POF) [ 2 ]. POI is a disease commonly, which seriously affects women’s reproductive function, even leads to lifelong infertility, affects mental and physical health, and brings great pain to individuals and families.…”

Premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility

“…Risk factors for POI include: presence of specific genetic variants, positive family history, autoimmune disease, earlier menarche, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, pelvic surgery, smoking and being underweight. 3 Adverse early life experiences, including childhood abuse and parental divorce, and low socioeconomic status are associated with lower age at menopause, though specific data for a relationship with POI are lacking. 3 Observational studies have shown that POI is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, cognitive dysfunction, dementia and increased mortality.…”

“…3 Adverse early life experiences, including childhood abuse and parental divorce, and low socioeconomic status are associated with lower age at menopause, though specific data for a relationship with POI are lacking. 3 Observational studies have shown that POI is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, cognitive dysfunction, dementia and increased mortality. There is emerging evidence implicating genetically associated accelerated ageing and oestrogen deficiency in these adverse health outcomes.…”

Identification of the active ingredients and pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsules in the treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency: A review

“…[1] The etiology of POI includes genetic and iatrogenic factors, infections, and autoimmune disorders (ovarian surgery and chemotherapy). [2][3][4] A meta-analysis revealed that the worldwide incidence of POI in 2019 was 3.7%. [5] Currently, there are no effective therapies for POI.…”