treatment of primary ovarian failure

Last reviewed 01/2018

Managing premature ovarian insuffificiency

  • offer sex steroid replacement with a choice of HRT or a combined hormonal contraceptive to women with premature ovarian insufficiency, unless contraindicated (for example, in women with hormone-sensitive cancer)

  • NICE suggest that a clinician should explain to women with premature ovarian insufficiency:
    • the importance of starting hormonal treatment either with HRT or a combined hormonal contraceptive and continuing treatment until at least the age of natural menopause (unless contraindicated)
    • that the baseline population risk of diseases such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease increases with age and is very low in women aged under 40
    • that HRT may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure when compared with a combined oral contraceptive that both HRT and combined oral contraceptives offer bone protection
    • that HRT is not a contraceptive

  • consider referring women with premature ovarian insufficiency to healthcare professionals who have the relevant experience to help them manage all aspects of physical and psychosocial health related to their condition.

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