Hormone Therapy for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) – sometimes called Premature Menopause – is a disorder in which a woman suffers from a lower-than-normal production of estrogen that mimics perimenopause. POI is an endocrine condition that can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, painful sex, mood swings and many other symptoms of perimenopause.
Women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) are also typically unable to get pregnant naturally. This can be of great concern to women of childbearing years who desire to conceive a child. And, because estrogen protects against osteoporosis, heart disease and many other serious conditions, POI can result in the same serious health problems as menopause.
In short, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a serious disorder that needs to be addressed with estrogen/progesterone therapy to avoid both annoying symptoms and serious health problems from developing due to POI hormones deficiency.
Symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Because Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) causes the same hormone deficiencies as perimenopause, it also can result in any or all of the 36 symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. These include:
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods
- Hot flashes (sometimes called “hot flushes”)
- Night sweats
- Trouble Sleeping
- Irritability or mood swings
- Inability to focus or concentration
- Decreased sex drive (low libido)
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal itching and dryness
- Infertility
Diagnosing POI
Typically, missed or irregular periods for four or more consecutive months is a good indication of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. However, POI is most accurately identified with comprehensive blood testing that is evaluated by a hormone expert like our Certified SottoPelle providers. Physicians will typically identify Primary Ovarian Insufficiency with blood tests that look for elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and/or elevated estrogen levels.
Causes of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
There are multiple factors that can cause a woman’s body to decrease or stop producing female hormones prior to perimenopause, resulting in POI. Hereditary, environmental factors, and certain diseases can all halt adequate hormone production before the normal age of perimenopause.
Some of the most common causes of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) are:
- Genetic disorders
- Fragile X syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Low number of follicles
- Certain autoimmune diseases (e.g. Addison’s disease)
- Thyroiditis / Thyroid Disorders
- Viral infections
- Metabolic disorder
- Cigarettes
- Chemical exposure, pesticides & other toxins
Treating Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) with Hormone Therapy
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to restore normal function to a woman’s ovaries. In many cases, once the damage is done it cannot be reversed.
However, hormone therapy can be used to replace the hormones that the woman’s body no longer makes. This can alleviate the symptoms of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and lower the health risks that estrogen and progesterone deficiency can cause.
SottoPelle Method bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) pellets can effectively replace the estrogen and other hormones that the ovaries are not making. “Bioidentical” hormones are derived from 100% natural sources, and exactly replicate the molecular structure of the hormones produced by the body. This makes them safer and more effective than synthetic hormones that are man-made in a laboratory.
Additionally, SottoPelle Method time-released hormone replacement pellets deliver estrogen and progesterone to the woman’s body consistently 24/7 – as it is needed – just like the ovaries do. So, there is no “roller coaster” effect, as there is with hormone replacement pills, injections, or patches.
In addition to alleviating annoying issues like hot flashes and night sweats, SottoPelle Method hormone replacement pellets can improve sexual health, and decrease the risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis in women with POI.
And, for women dealing with fertility issues caused by POI, hormone therapy can in some cases restore normal ovulation and menstrual cycles to enable conception.
Hormone Therapy for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
If you have been diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, or are experiencing symptoms of “early menopause”, it is important to discuss hormone replacement therapy with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets can offer a natural, safe, and effective treatment for managing the symptoms of POI. And, in many cases restore ovulation and menstruation to improve your chances of getting pregnant in spite of POI.
Talk to your physician about SottoPelle® Method hormone therapy pellets today. Or, find a physician in your area who is a Certified SottoPelle® hormone therapy provider using our Physician Finder HERE.
Hormone Therapy for POI: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.
