Menopause

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Much too early

In cases where treatment is planned that may result in POI, it is both possible and important to inform the woman that it is possible to save eggs before treatment using various methods, so that eggs are still available for fertilization at a later date.

Because the early lack of oestrogen particularly endangers bone stability and the health of the cardiovascular system, hormone replacement is mandatory up to around the age of 50. At this point, oestrogen levels also naturally fall. Patients discuss the type and method of hormone therapy with their doctor. An additional hormone preparation administered locally can be effective against vaginal dryness. Transdermal testosterone applications are not suitable for treating low or absent sexual desire, which is perceived as disturbing, and there is disagreement among doctors about their benefits and risks.

Women with POI often find themselves in a very challenging psychological situation. Doctors should take this into account and be able to name appropriate offers of help. If the difficult topic of involuntary childlessness (due to POI or for other reasons) is raised in the pharmacy, it would make sense for PTAs to be able to name professional, psychologically trained contact persons in the local area.

While premature ovarian failure can have the causes mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are other conditions that can cause women to go through the menopause at least earlier than average. These include type 1 diabetes, if it started in childhood, and type 2 diabetes, if it started in young adulthood. Another risk is Red S syndrome. In this syndrome, young women in particular do a lot of sport without eating enough to meet their high energy consumption. Their body then simply no longer has enough energy to “handle” the normal menstrual cycle. Women with Red-S often don't even notice why they don't have a period. PTAs can carefully point out this possibility if they suspect it.