Guideline on premature ovarian insufficiency

This updated guideline offers best practice recommendations for the care of women with with both primary and secondary premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI is a clinical condition defined by the loss of ovarian function indicated by irregular menstrual cycles together with biochemical confirmation of ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40.

Women with POI have unique needs. They may not only suffer from symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, but can also experience other issues, with a significant impact on their quality of life and later health outcomes. POI can have significant effects on fertility, bone health, cardiovascular health, sexual function, psychological health and neurological function.

The impact of POI on these different domains and the treatment options for each along with monitoring needs where relevant are all discussed in the guideline.

In addition to hormone therapy the guideline also covers non-hormonal and complementary treatments, lifestyle interventions and puberty induction.

This guideline is an updated version and replaces the ESHRE Guideline on the management of women with POI (2016) (see https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dew027)