ABSTRACT
POI affects 1%–3% of reproductive-age women (LOE 3). POI should be distinguished from diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Indeed, women with DOR have infertility associated with antral follicular counts below 10, but they are still menstruating. Furthermore, their FSH levels are only slightly elevated and not in the menopausal range. The term POI is more accurate than premature ovarian failure (POF) or premature menopause. Indeed, the term menopause suggests a definitive arrest of ovarian function, and variable degrees of ovarian function are preserved in a subset of patients with POI. Second, hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is necessary for women with POI in order to avoid effects related to estrogen deficiency. Finally, the term POI is less stigmatizing. Among the different etiologies of POI, genetic causes should be distinguished from infectious, surgical, and toxic causes.
