The overlooked and undertreated perils of premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is loss of ovarian function before age 40. Genetic, autoimmune, and iatrogenic causes are well defined, but 90% of cases are idiopathic. POI prevalence is estimated to be between 3% and 4%, with many cases undiagnosed or untreated. Affected individuals experience prolonged estrogen deficiency unless hormone therapy is instituted to restore physiologic levels. Untreated POI is associated with multiple health risks, including premature death due to cardiovascular disease.