Premature Ovarian Failure and FSH/LH Ratios: Health Blog
Premature ovarian failure (POF), at one time called premature menopause, describes a stop in the normal functioning of the ovaries in a woman younger than age 40. Symptoms can include irregular periods, hot flashes and night sweats, decreased interest in sex, pain during sex, drying of the vagina, and/or infertility. One of the main markers used to identify POF is the FSH/LH ratio (Follicle Stimulating Hormone to Lutenizing Hormone ratio).
According to the one definitive study (completed in 1986), POF affects 1 in 1000 women between the ages of 15 and 29, and 1 in 100 women between the ages of 30 and 39. There are, however, indications that the incidence of POF exploded since the completion of that study over 20 years ago (such as a Turkish study in 1995 that found rates more than 600% higher). But even at the lower rates, POF affects some 250,000 women in the United States alone (and at the higher rates, well over 1,000,000 women).
POF is often related to a sustained estrogen dominance that figuratively "burns out" the ovaries.
Use of an all natural progesterone creme can be extremely helpful in these situations. Although not specific to ovarian failure, my Barron Report on estrogen dominance and progesterone provides a background for understanding the problem. But in short…
The hypothalmus monitors for both estrogen and progesterone levels. When progesterone fails to rise as part of the normal cycle (as when the body is in estrogen dominance), the hypothlamus signals the pituitary (by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone) to make more FSH. The increased FSH results in more estrogen production, throwing the body further into estrogen dominance. Given enough time, the ovaries eventually "crash."
Again, supplementing with natural progesterone can break that cycle and help return the hormonal balance to normal. If estrogen is required to jump start the ovaries again, consider using estriol creme since it is gentle and cancer protective.
Comments
There are many different kinds of progesterone creme, containing wildly varying amounts of progesterone and other ingredients. It should also be noted that wild yam contains NO progesterone. For more information on progesterone, check out http://www.jonbarron.org/barron_reports/10-1-1997.php
And keep in mind the point made in the last paragraph of the blog entry: "estrogen may be required to jump start the ovaries once they've shut down." In which case, estriol creme is worth exploring.
i am 36 yrs old female actively TTC for the last 4 years. A homeophaty specialist indicated a problem with my cervix ie. mild erosion and poor production of fertile cervical mucus. MY OBGYN confirmed this. is there a specific nutrition or supplement that can improve the health of my cervix? Uterine lining also indicate some estrogen dominance. My OBGYN prescribed saw palmetto/ folic acid/vit E/clomid 150mg for first 2 months before we consider further treatment ie hydrotubation, D&C and cervical cautery.Please suggest if there are any alternative theraphy to this? Thank you.
Natural progesterone creme would again be worth considering. Progesterone supplementain can be a primary determinant in the health of the cervix and the uterine lining -- particularly when there are signs of estrogen dominance.
I was diagnosed with POF in 2006. Now i am on HRT. In May 2006, my FSH is 103, LH 28.6, estrogen 200. FSH went down, is it because the artificial estrogen from the pill or is my ovary starts working again?
I was diagnosed with POF at the age of 31. At that time i didnt have my period for 4 month though it was exteremly regular ( same date & time ) and before that i missed it 2 months for 2 years so i did all the tests & since then i am on the HRT.
I cant imagine myself without a child. iam praying 4 all girls in my condition everynight.
Good day.I had my 1st menstruation at the age of 20.I had a normal menstruation for only 4 months.After then it stopped.I consulted to an OBGYNE and I will ONLY menstruate everytime I took the medicine prescribed by my OBGYNE.Do I have POF?Do I still have a chance of getting pregnant?What procedure can you suggest so that I can attain a child.Please help me.Thank you very much.
jenny of Philippines
Hi..I was disgnosed with POf at the age of 19.I am 26 now. My FSH level is very high. I get periods 1 or twice a year, ever since I was disgnosed with POF.
I want to know what are the alternatives of increasing my fertility chances. Waht are the methods.Can you let me know anything about ovary transplants.