May

28

Is this topic for you?

This topic contains information about loss of ovarian function before age 40. If you want information about the normal loss of ovarian function around age 50 or about symptoms in the few years before it, see the topic Menopause and Perimenopause.
What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure occurs when your ovaries—which store and release eggs—stop working before age 40. You may have no or few eggs. Depending on the cause, premature ovarian failure may develop as early as the teen years, or the problem may have been present from birth.

A woman who has premature ovarian failure is very likely to have irregular or no periods, infertility problems, and menopause-like symptoms. It is difficult, though not impossible, for women who have premature ovarian failure to become pregnant.
What causes premature ovarian failure?

Although the exact cause of premature ovarian failure may be unknown, a genetic factor or a problem with the body’s immune system may play a role in some women. In an immune system disorder, the body may attack its own tissues—in this case, the ovaries.

Premature ovarian failure may develop after a hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery or from radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In some of these cases, the condition may be temporary, with the ovaries starting to work again some years later.
What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of premature ovarian failure are similar to those of menopause. Your menstrual periods may become irregular—you have a period one month but not the next—or they may stop. You also may have some or all of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, or trouble sleeping.
How is premature ovarian failure diagnosed?

If your periods become irregular or stop, your doctor will give you a physical examination and ask you questions about your general health and whether you have other symptoms of premature ovarian failure. You will also have a pregnancy test, and your blood will be tested for other possible causes of irregular periods.

To check for possible ovarian failure, your blood level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be checked. FSH signals your body to release an egg every month. If the amount of FSH in your blood is higher than normal on more than one day, you may have premature ovarian failure. Another blood test also may be done to measure the amount of estradiol (or estrogen) in your blood. Very low estrogen with a high FSH is a sign of premature ovarian failure.

Some women discover they have premature ovarian failure when they see a doctor because they are having trouble getting pregnant.
How is it treated?

Treatment for premature ovarian failure will help you manage your symptoms, but there is currently no treatment that will make the ovaries start to work properly again. Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy or other medicines to help with hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy can also help prevent early bone loss in women who have premature ovarian failure. Talk to your doctors about which treatments may be right for you.

Some women with premature ovarian failure may choose to try to become pregnant using donor eggs and in vitro fertilization. For more on this treatment, see the topic Fertility Problems.

Finding out you have premature ovarian failure can be extremely upsetting, especially for a woman who hopes to become pregnant. You may want to seek support through counseling. You also can find information and support through the Premature Ovarian Failure Support Group, available online at
Can premature ovarian failure be prevented?

At this time, there is no way to prevent premature ovarian failure. But you can take steps to protect your overall health. Women with premature ovarian failure have a higher risk of bone thinning and fractures (osteoporosis), diabetes, and heart disease. A balanced and low-fat diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can help protect your bones and heart. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D may help slow bone loss. Talk to your doctor about other steps you can take.

May

28

If morbid obesity is taking its toll on your health and lifestyle, gastric bypass or lap band surgery may be an effective way to lose the weight for good. When you have over 50 lbs. to lose, dieting and exercise usually aren’t enough; gastric band surgery can help you lose the weight by constricting the size of your stomach so you simply eat less.

Weight loss experts and bariatric surgeons are now turning to an improved version of the original silicone prosthetic device of gastric bands with The REALIZE Gastric Band. The REALIZE Gastric Band was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2007, offering innovative approach for bariatric patients who want to keep the weight off for the long term.
Read more

May

28

Dr. Sternberg’s presentation focused on how myositis affects the skin in a specific form of the disease called dermatomyositis. She also spoke about skin symptoms that were relevant to those with inclusion body myositis and polymyositis. Lastly, she highlighted different ways to care for your skin, which was a topic from which everyone in the workshop could benefit.
Read more

May

28

Laser skin resurfacing treatments can balance out your skin tone, reduce skin discoloration, and even eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Today’s innovative technologies include the C02 laser and Fraxel, and lasers are becoming one of the safest and most effective treatments in skin rejuvenation procedures across the country.

Since your skin will need time to recover and heal after a laser resurfacing treatment, taking care of your skin after the procedure can be just as important as the treatment itself.

Even though a laser treatment may not be as harsh on the top layer of skin as a deep chemical peel, the laser will leave skin sore and tender for a few days. Wearing sunscreen immediately after treatment helps protect skin from UV damage and overexposure to the sun; since the cells will be especially vulnerable to skin damage during the post-treatment phase, you’ll need to find sun protection with an SPF 25 or higher. In addition to sunblock and sunscreen, you may not be able to wear makeup or apply chemical-based skincare products for a few days.

Dr. Michael Law, MD of an aesthetic plastic surgery center in North Carolina recommends that patients limit sun exposure and maintain a healthy skincare routine after their laser treatments. This can help protect results, and makes it easier to manage skin for the long-term.
Read more

keep looking »