what is premature ovarian failure, and what can I do about it?

What Is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

Symptoms, Remedies and Prevention

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also referred to as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), occurs when the ovaries lose their normal function before the age of 40. This condition leads to infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and symptoms similar to menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal tissue changes.

It’s important to identify the root cause of POF (also known as POI) and make necessary changes that will help you live a healthier life. This guide will discuss POF, how you can identify it, and what you can do to help.

For a consultation with a Singapore-based naturopath, please get in touch. Dr. Radhika Kamat helps women live healthier and more fulfilling lives every day.

POI Symptoms and Risk Factors

POI can stem from genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions, environmental toxins, and personal lifestyle choices. For instance, exposure to chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic has been shown to harm ovarian health. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy body weight can also lead to ovarian dysfunction.

A leading symptom of POI is often estrogen deficiency. Women may notice irregular periods, shorter menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. Lack of energy and changes in vaginal tissue will often lead people to POF as well. These symptoms can sometimes resemble Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), so it’s important to chat with a women’s health expert if you are having concerns.

Assessing Premature Ovarian Failure

We will typically recommend hormone testing. Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, particularly on day 3 of the menstrual cycle, are a strong indicator. FSH combined with age and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels provides insight into ovarian reserve. While young women with high FSH may still have quality eggs, their overall ovarian reserve is often reduced.

AMH, a marker of reproductive capacity, is generally low in women with POI. Blood work, along with a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, helps differentiate POI from other conditions like PCOS.

If you believe you may need some labs done (and analyzed) to help you reach the root cause of your symptoms, please give us a call. We will be happy to help you and point you in the right direction.

We Address the Underlying Cause of POI

As the leaders in functional medicine in Singapore, we always help women find the root cause of their symptoms. Nutrition, stress, auto-immune conditions, lifestyle choices, and other factors all come into play. We’ll work with you to find the right path forward.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Believe it or not, excessive physical activity and/or fasting on the part of athletes can disrupt hormonal balance by increasing cortisol levels. This leads to amenorrhea and reduced ovarian function. On the other end of the spectrum, moderate exercise promotes well-being, reduces stress, and supports hormonal health. Exposure to toxins, such as those found in polluted air and BPA, Pthalates, PCB’s, accelerates ovarian aging. Women living in areas with high pollution levels may face an increased risk of ovarian dysfunction.

Every patient in our practice who is looking for fertility goals or ovarian health receives a complete handout and an extensive list of green products that are EWG certified and available in Singapore.

Smoking and Alcohol Can Lead to POF

Cigarettes accelerate ovarian aging. The oxidative damage caused by smoking reduces ovarian reserve and increases the risk of early menopause. Excess alcohol consumption also disrupts hormonal balance and liver function. If you aren’t sure if “excess” applies to you, but you are experiencing symptoms, you are welcome to call us. Our judgement-free, nurturing environment is perfect for women seeking answers.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Antioxidants

Deficiencies in nutrients like Vitamin D, folate, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium have been linked to ovarian dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in women with POF and can impair ovarian function. Folate is another key nutrient that supports fertility and ovarian health.

Antioxidants, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene, combat oxidative stress—a known contributor to ovarian aging. These antioxidants protect ovarian cells from apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and may help preserve ovarian function for a longer time.

How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help

A naturopath will look beyond symptoms and easy medications to find the root cause of your ailment. We want to help our clients understand how the body works as an ecosystem, and issues in one area may lead to deficiencies in another.

Take chronic stress, for example. Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, contributing to hormonal imbalances. Techniques such as acupuncture, mindfulness practices, and even herbs help regulate cortisol levels and restore hormonal harmony. Bear in mind that even natural remedies need to be taken under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Dietary adjustments, along with supplements, can also help your body detox and start to heal. We will want to examine your diet, keeping an eye out for autoimmune reactions to certain foods.

It all comes down to the fact that we will consult with you, examine labs, discuss lifestyle factors, and come up with a unique, personally tailored plan to help you become a healthier person.

Contact Dr. Radhika Kamat Today

We help women throughout Singapore achieve healthier, fuller lives. Whether you are battling POF, an autoimmune condition, thyroid imbalance, or something else, we are here to help. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

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