Premature Ovarian Failure: Causes and Treatment

Premature Ovarian Failure is a leading cause of infertility. What causes this condition and what are the cutting edge treatments that will allow a woman to be able to conceive? Host Dawn Davenport, Executive Director of Creating a Family, the national infertility and adoption education and support nonprofit, interviews Dr. Timothy Hickman, Medical Director and Co-Founder of Houston IVF. He holds Clinical Associate Professor Appointments at both the University of Texas Medical School-Houston and Baylor College of Medicine. He is a Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist by American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and served on the Executive Board of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology from 2001 – 2011. Additionally, Dr. Hickman has been named a “Top Doctor in Reproductive Endocrinology” by U.S. News and World Report, a “Top Doctor” and “Top Doctor for Women” by H-Texas Magazine and a “Texas Super Doc” by Texas Monthly Magazine.

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How is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) defined, because isn’t the decrease in egg production a normal part of aging?
I have heard this condition called different things: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, Premature Menopause, POF. What other names does it go by?
How is POF diagnosed?
What are the symptoms (other than an inability to get pregnant)?
What causes premature ovarian failure?
Is premature menopauses caused by genetics, environmental pollution, chemical exposure, lead paint, and/or stress?
Have there been any studies done on a link between POF and taking Accutane (a treatment for acne) as a teen?
Can losing one ovary lead to Premature Ovarian Failure?
Are those with autoimmune diseases more susceptible to POF?
Can IVF lead to premature ovarian failure or early menopause? Is there any evidence that aggressive stimulation of the ovaries during a typical IVF cycle can contribute to Premature Ovarian Failure?
Is there a link between premature ovarian failure and the HPV vaccine (Gardasil or Cervarix)?
Treatments: let’s start with medical (western medical) treatments, and then talk about other forms of treatment.
Are less gonadotropins more effective for women with POF, or more?
New IVA Study for the treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure.
Alternative treatments for Premature Ovarian Failure
Are there any diet changes a woman can make to help preserve what ovarian function she has left?
Premature Ovarian Failure has other health implications other than infertility. What are they?