Since I first began working with Natural Fertility Info.com, I have noticed a dramatic increase in the amount of women writing in about Premature Ovarian Failure. Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is also known as Ovarian Hypofunction and is defined as a loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40. Some people think that POF is premature menopause, but menopause is a natural process which a woman goes through when her body gradually no longer produces eggs; estrogen and progesterone levels naturally decline thus causing the menstrual cycle to come less often until eventually this stops. The normal age range for women to naturally go through menopause is 45-55, with the average mean age of 51. Unlike menopause, POF is not a naturally occurring process for a woman’s body. There are different reasons a woman may be diagnosed with POF; these are broken down into two categories: follicle dysfunction and follicle depletion.
Throughout a woman’s life her ovaries contain thousands of follicles, and these follicles contain eggs. The pituitary gland begins releasing FSH at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and the release of FSH signals some of the follicles in the ovary to begin maturing. As the follicles begin maturing they are supposed to release and increase the hormone estrogen over time. The rising estrogen level signals the pituitary gland to curb release of FSH. If the follicles do not mature, the body continues producing FSH and the FSH levels remain high. Women with POF show high levels of FSH. This is why the doctors perform FSH tests, to see if the levels are too high. In a normal functioning follicle, the estrogen levels rise and signal the pituitary gland to release Lutenizing Hormone (LH). LH signals the follicle to open and release the mature egg, this is ovulation. When the delicate communication between the pituitary gland, the ovaries and the follicles does not work properly, ovulation does not occur.
Let’s look at different reasons POF may happen under those categories.
Follicle Dysfunction
Follicle dysfunction happens when your follicles are not responding properly. Here are some possible causes…
Autoimmune Disorders: An autoimmune disease happens infrequently, but is on the rise. Autoimmune diseases in some cases may damage follicles; by the woman’s body producing antibodies that attack the ovaries and in turn may harm and damage the follicles. Doctors are not sure why this occurs, but some say it may be due to an exposure to a virus. When a follicle becomes damaged it can no longer produce estrogen properly which is the key hormone it releases to communicate with the pituitary gland.
The use of Systemic Enzymes may prove effective in helping with autoimmune disorders.
Follicle Depletion: This is defined as low or few follicles responding to the signal of the FSH being released. These follicles still exist in the body, they just don’t communicate. Over time they begin to die off and diminish as the entire reproductive system begins to suffer. The communication and proper function of our reproductive system is a fragile system, one that depends on all of its parts to function properly to maintain vitality. If the follicles do not mature, ovulation stops happening and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular or stops completely. When this happens the muscles in the uterus and ovaries begin to atrophy.
Causes of follicle depletion
* Environmental toxins including pesticides, herbicides, cigarette smoke, pollutants, chemicals
* Exposure to a Virus
* Chromosomal defects, including Turner’s Syndrome and X syndrome
* Genetic predisposition, this may run in some families, 10% of POF cases
* Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments are one of the leading cause of POF, follicle depletion
While we cannot control genetic factors, or situations where we have had to make hard decisions like choosing Chemotherapy or radiation to fight other diseases or conditions, autoimmune disorders or chromosomal defects, we can work toward avoiding toxins. Here are some tips for avoiding toxins…
1. Buy organic foods whenever possible! Non-organic foods often contain pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. Though we may want to deny the facts, it is stated on many doctor based websites like the Mayo Clinic site that toxins play a role in POF.
2. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your yard, garden or surrounding areas.
3. Avoid synthetic-chemical-loaded-mainstream body products including make-up.
4. Avoid using feminine products that are not made from organic cotton, contain plastic or are made from rayon.
5. Drink filtered water, avoid tap water.
Symptoms of POF
Symptoms of POF are similar to those of menopause, but may be more extreme.
All of these symptoms are similar to other fertility issues, which makes self diagnosis incredibly difficult. If you have missed your period for over 3 months and are over the age of 35, you may want to talk to your doctor about testing for POF. I don’t want to scare any of you, but it is important when dealing with fertility issues to have a good solid diagnosis so that you can know where to go from there; a starting point in options.
How is POF Diagnosed?
POF is usually diagnosed by having your estrogen and FSH levels tested. Extremely low levels of estradiol (estrogen) and high levels of FSH are signs that the ovaries are no longer responding to FSH signal to the follicles, to produce and increase estrogen levels.
Ultrasound imaging may be helpful in that it can show if the ovary is the right size and shape. This kind of scan may help to see the follicle count or if the ovary is atrophied.
There is a new blood test that measures the levels of AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) also known as MIS ( Mullerian Inhibiting Substance) which is produced directly by the follicles. AMH levels correlate with how many antral follicles are in the ovaries. Women with low levels of AMH indicate low levels of follicles and produce lower levels of immature eggs.
What if I have already been diagnosed with POF?
First off I would like to say that my heart goes out to you, this can be a devastating diagnosis. It is pretty much a consensus across the board that POF is a difficult condition to properly diagnose. If you have already been given a diagnosis of POF it is important to have clear communication with your doctor about the tests you have been given for this conclusion. A definitive diagnosis of POF usually means that you will have extreme difficulty getting pregnant; though women with POF may still become pregnant, so do not give up hope if you have not yet had a child because it could still happen.
Natural Ways to Support our Bodies In the Prevention of POF
Remember, these will only help in supporting our bodies natural functions and cannot cure POF or prevent POF from happening if there is a genetic factor or chromosomal defects. Focusing on Improving Egg Health, and nourishing the endocrine system and maintaining optimum health of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are vital. Below are some ways to support all of these important parts of our fertility.
Natural Fertility Diet
Nutrition plays a big roll when it comes to having a healthy body and reproductive system. The building blocks for hormones are found in the foods we eat. Antioxidants which help to protect the eggs and tissues of the reproductive system are found in the foods that we eat. What we eat each day is the foundation for our health and those foods have a great impact on our fertility. Eating a whole foods based fertility diet is the first step to helping the body and your fertility function at its best.
Maca
In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Maca helps to stimulate and nourish the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
Shatavari
Shatavari is a Indian herb that is traditionally Ayurvedic. Its main constituent is steroidal saponins, giving rise to the conclusion that Shatavari’s has the ability as an estrogen modulator and may help regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb has adaptogenic and immuno-modulating properties. This means it may be very helpful with women who have stress related or immune-mediated fertility issues. Autoimmune fertility issues may be helped and the proper immnological function supported by Shatavari.
The traditional suggested usage of Shatavari is 4.5 to 8.5 mL of dried plant extract. Shatavari also comes in capsules. There are no known contraindications for this herb.
Vitex
Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry, is usually the first line of defense in a woman who is experiencing irregular periods, helping to regulate the function of the entire communication of the reproductive system.
Royal Jelly
Regular consumption of high-quality Royal Jelly has been shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It can also help with problems that are related to hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or irregular menstrual cycles. Some studies have shown that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic human estrogen, which can help those that suffer from low estrogen levels. Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins, and most importantly, proteins. It contains high levels of vitamins D and E, and also has ample levels of iron and calcium. As all of these are essential to proper health and organ function.
Fertility Enzyme Therapy
Systemic enzymes have been shown to greatly reduce immunological response, the activity in some peoples bodies in which antibodies attack with intent to destroy our own tissues or that of another person’s (sperm or a fetus).
Self Fertility Massage
This type of massage may promote hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop, increasing circulation to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, brings fresh, oxygenated, and nutrient rich blood to the eggs, improves uterine tone, as well as aids in the bodies elimination of toxins. Self Fertility Massage can be performed for yourself in the comfort of your home.
Exercise
A sedentary inactive lifestyle does not provide an environment in the body in which to naturally cleanse itself of excess hormones and toxins. Exercise gets our heart beating faster which pumps more fresh oxygenated blood to the entire body, mainly our vital organs which each play a vital role in our body functioning properly. This circulation also promotes elimination of toxins. Exercise also increases our body temperature triggering sweat glands to produce sweat to cool us down, but sweat also is another way our bodies remove toxins. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 x’s a week.
It is never too late to begin to think about the future of our health. Premature Ovarian Failure shows us how intricately connected our reproductive system is connected with our brain and entire body and how environmental toxins play a huge role in fertility. Now is the time to work toward supporting our entire body’s health for the future by supporting its natural functions through diet, exercise, clean water and supportive natural therapies.
References:
1) https://health.google.com/health/ref/Ovarian+hypofunction
2) Premature Ovarian Failure, 12/31/2008 Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-ovarian-failure/DS00843
3) Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) and Infertility Dr. Aniruddha M., 8/27/10.
4) Freedom Press: The New Aspirin Alternative, Michael Loes, MD, MD(H); 2010
5) Churchill Livingstone press: Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Aviva Romm, 2010
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
hello there, My name is karmen mack..I have pof and never ever gotten a period in my lief natural..I was put on birth control and did have one..but with out bc nothing happens..i just got married and we really want kids..i have been praying to God to heal me..i have been taken Vitex, black cosoh, omega 3,6,9 pills, a b6 complete vitamin,co-10..and a prenatual vitamin..for 2mths..and stll nothing..i also have a thyriod problem and take my meds daily for that….what else can i do?? with me never haveing a natrual period will i ever get pregnant..please help me..and i smoke but have cut back to 3 a day
Hi Karmen,
I am very sorry to hear how sad you are about your situation. Having POF can be devastating. Do you know why you were diagnosed with this. The article above outlines causes for POF. Do you fall under any of those guidelines? If so please refer to the article for ideas on natural remedies that may support different factors that affect or are affected by POF. There is no known cure for POF, please talk to your doctor more in-depth about what your diagnosis means for you.
Warmly,
Dalene
I was told i have no egg function..how do i get that working?…i will look at the articles and see what i can find..if there is anything you know would help please let me know..thanks
Hi Karmen,
You may want to read over our Improve Egg Health Guide at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health
If your doctor has told you why this is happening to your body you may be able to work on that specific issue. For example if you were diagnosed with POF because of an auto-immune disorder you may want to learn more about immunomodulating remedies such as Fertility Enzyme Therapy or herbs like Shatavari.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
HI KARMEN!! IM 34YRS OLD AND WAS DIAGNOSED AT 21 WITH SEVERE PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE.. I WAS TOLD I HAD FSH LEVELS OF A 79YR OLD AND THAT I WOULD NEVER HAVE CHILDREN!! I REACHED OUT TO GOD ALSO AND HE HEARD ME… I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH 3 KIDS… WERE WORKING ON #4 AND IM ORDERING THIS SITES FERTILITY CLEANSE BECAUSE I TRULY BELIEVE GOD LEAD ME HERE!! THANK YOU NATURAL FERTILITY.COM FOR GIVING ANY AMOUT OF TIME TO POF, NOT MANY WILL EVEN DISCUSS IT AND LEAVE US HOPELESS BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!! KARMEN DO NOT GIVE UP CAUSE IF I HAD I WOULD HAVE MISSED OUT ON 3 OF THE BEST THINGS THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!!
I was diagnosed with POF 2 years ago at the age of 31. I am preparing for IVF #6 in a few weeks and am wondering if it will be beneficial at all for me to start the starter kit with the L-arganine, maca, etc. I know it says to use it for 3 months, so I just want to know if I would be wasting my time taking it for 4 weeks only. Is there anything else I should be doing over the next few weeks to prepare?
Thank you.
Hi Sonia,
If you are wanting to impact the health of your eggs for your upcoming IVF, you really need 3 months of preparation. If you are only wanting to boost overall chances and increase health for a successful implantation using supplements, and natural therapies for a month, this is better than doing nothing in my opinion.
You may also want to consider Self Fertility Massage and Acupuncture. Be sure you are also eating a nutrient dense Fertility Diet with a whole food quality multivitamin!
Best Wishes for a successful IVF!
Dalene
Hi,
I am 31 was diognised with severe Preamature Ovarian Failure two years ago at the age of 29. I was told I would never have a baby due to high FSH levels. I took AMH test two years ago and the results were 0,05. Since diagnosis of POF I have been using some medicines which helps me with mensturating. Otherwise I am not having my periods. Is there a way to get my periods back without the aid of medicines?
I took some tests and in my case the POF is not cause by genetic factors nor chromosomal defects. Is there anything you know that would help with conceiving?
I would really appreciate your help. Many thanks..
Guran
Hi Guran,
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis at such a young age. Your age may be on your side!!! Being as young as you are gives you time to work at reducing your high FSH, cleansing your body, nourishing it with healthy foods and perhaps using fertility herbs to work toward increasing your chances of conception. Because you have determined your POF is NOT caused by genetic or chromosomal factors, that leaves you with either environmental pollution, or exposure to a virus. In the case where you were exposed to a virus, this may have damaged your follicles, this can cause them to no longer respond to the release of FSH. This is why FSH levels are high. If your follicles are damaged due to environmental toxins and pollutants, the first best thing to think about is cleansing your body. Fertility Cleansing may be a good option. You may want to find a natural practitioner in your area that can suggest some other cleanses as well for heavy metals, ect. In addition please consider following these guidelines:
1. Buy organic foods whenever possible! Non-organic foods often contain pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. Though we may want to deny the facts, it is stated on many doctor based websites like the Mayo Clinic site that toxins play a role in POF.
2. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your yard, garden or surrounding areas.
3. Avoid synthetic-chemical-loaded-mainstream body products including make-up.
4. Avoid using feminine products that are not made from organic cotton, contain plastic or are made from rayon.
5. Drink filtered water, avoid tap water.
After cleansing the body, consider what you can do to try and improve egg health, while reducing high FSH. Vitex may be helpful for reducing high FSH levels. Because POF can cause the ovaries and uterus to atrophy (loose muscle tone) over time, consider therapies like Self Fertility Massage, Castor Oil packs, and Fertility Yoga!
Because POF is such a complex diagnosis it may be best to find a naturopathic doctor in your area that can advise a full regimen for you, someone you can work one-on-one with. A definitive diagnosis of POF usually means that you will have extreme difficulty getting pregnant; though women with POF may still become pregnant, so do not give up hope if you have not yet had a child because it could still happen.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi
i was told that am in pre menopause about 4 years ago,my last period was on January since than nothing, am 39 years old single and would love to have a child and i will give anything to have my period again, i can see a lot of changes in me and i feel old discourage its like am no longer a live, my skin my hair everything in me change for the worst, i really don’t know what to do i need your help. thank you.
i am 33 years old and just diagnosed with pof. my fsh level was 92. i am currently doing accupunctor and herbs. eating organics foods and no caffeine to try to lower my fsh level. is there anything else i can do to help.
Hi mama,
I am sorry to hear how sad you are, this is a devastating diagnosis! It would be best to work with a specialist in the area of POF, someone who can find out why you may have this condition and your options. A definitive diagnosis of POF usually means that you will have extreme difficulty getting pregnant; though women with POF may still become pregnant, so do not give up hope if you have not yet had a child because it could still happen!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Melissa,
It sounds like you are doing everything you can! If you knew the specific cause of your POF you may be able to research other natural therapies specific to that cause. For example if you have POF due to environmental pollution, you may want to consider doing a Fertility Cleanse. If you have POF due to immunological reasons, Fertility Enzyme Therapy may be an area to research more. It is important to be clear that high FSH only shows that your follicles are not responding or there is no longer any communication from your follicles. High FSH is not the cause of the follicle damage or depletion. Focusing rather on a complete fertility support is best. Ask your doctor how many follicles you have left. If you have some left and wish to go on to try and conceive, you are going to want to look into how to Improve your Egg Health.
Best wishes,
Dalene
Hello Dalene,
I was diagnosed with POF at age 19. I had bulimia in the past, I was talking Accutane among things, however, at the moment I am not taking anything besides my HRT and multivitamin, iron pills, folic acid, vit. d and omega 3. I am fairly healthy, I don’t eat junk food, I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. I have been to several doctors and most of them said that I will not be able to conceive naturally. I would REALLY like to believe that this is a false statement. If I continue to eat healthy and take my vitamins, could my menstrual cycle start up again? I am 23 years old now and I am very sad because I really want to have children one day. Naturally, that is.
Hi Julia,
A good place to start would be to ask your doctor how much damage to your follicles there is. Do you have any follicles that may be functional? What is your ovarian reserve? These are important questions to talk with your doctor about. One of the bodies miracles is that every cell in our body renews over time and is replaced by healthy new cells. This gives us the opportunity to work toward changing our fertility issues by nourishing and taking care of our bodies now, so that those new cells have the best chance possible to be vibrant and healthy! It sounds like you are already doing what you can to increase your chances that your body will heal and respond. In some cases the follicles may have been so damaged that they have died off. If the follicles no longer exist, chances are slim that you will conceive naturally.
You may also want to talk to your doctor about Donor Eggs. You are still young and this may be an alternate option.
Keep moving forward, keep your head up. Ask your doctor the right questions, look at all your options and you will find a way to have a child!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi,
I am wondering if you can help or if perhaps you think taking fertility blend might help in my circumstances, I started my periods when i was 12 years old maybe only seen about 10 then stopped when i was 13 and never restarted I am now 31 years old, seen gynecologists since age of 15 of course they all say the same there is nothing that can be done for me as my fsh levels are so high over 100 it basically means i have the ovaries of a very old woman. Doctors have very much kept me in the dark about my condidtion and i have to probe them to get answers so i do know that this is not genetic, reading some of your comments above about virus’s possibly harming follicules this probably has no relevence what so ever but i cant help thinking about when i was younger, myself and my 2 other sisters all had pnemonia and doctors put this down to a virus behind the walls in the house we were living in at the time as the house was in quite bad condition ie: rising damp etc. could this have any connection? also i had a very stressful childhood and cant help thinking this could of caused some sort of blockage? what would you suggest? i am all out of hope and need some advice as i just am not getting it off doctors they have completely written me off and i cant help thinking that if i dont do something now while i am still young i could find out stuff in years to come that could of changed all this and by that time it could all be to late. already had a failed attempt at IVF.
Hello! I am 42 years old. I have have been having hormonal issues for 5 years. My last menstrual cycle was January 2010. I have recently (Aug 2010) been diagnosed with POF. My FSH was 72 and my LH was 32. My estrogen level was 80. I had an ovarian cyst removed (they took 55cc of fluid from the cyst) in January 2011. I may now have another cyst forming, I am going to my gyno next week for an ultrasound.
I was wondering if Vitex would be a good choice to take to get my cycle back and/or regulate my hormones?
I believe the reason for my periods ending was due to combining Strattera with Prozac 5 years ago. That is when all my hormonal issues started. I am currently on Remeron because the Prozac was increasing my anxiety (too stimulating)
Any comments/info would be appreciated ! Thank you <3
Hi bumblebee55,
I am sorry to hear of your fertility struggles from such a young age. Any of those situations you mentioned, or perhaps a combination of them may have contributed to something going wrong in the body. There is no way for me to know for sure. I do believe that what we think and feel about our bodies impacts our health greatly! While we cannot change our genetic circumstances, we do have the ability to change how we view the situation at hand. One of the bodies miracles is that every cell in our body renews over time and is replaced by healthy new cells. This gives us the opportunity to work toward changing our fertility issues by nourishing and taking care of our bodies now, so that those new cells have the best chance possible to be vibrant and healthy! Any of the suggestions on this page may help, as well as seeing a body work therapist that does Reiki, or another type of energy work may help as well. Energy work may help you to get some clear answers on how to move forward, or other work that needs to be done to heal.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi!,
I too have question about high FSH. I was recently diagnosed with insulin resistance and pre diabetes. Along with tests for these condition my doctor tested for fsh level since i get irregular periods (my last one was in November and nothing in December yet) and the ones i do get have been quiet heavy. My insulin level is at 9, which is severe insulin resistance and my fasting glucose is 102. This makes me pre diabetic. I am over weight with BMI of 26. I do carry abdominal weight. And, my FSH is 103. My doctor told me I am in menopause. I do experience hot flashes, brain fogginess and mood swings. My mother started menopause at age 46.
My question is can insulin resistance cause such high level of FSH ?. If I loose weight and get healthy can insulin resistance level come down and consequently reduce FSH level and I start ovulating again?. How can i find out what is the true reason for high FSH – I eat very clean, lots of fruits and veggies, no meat, do not keep any toxic products in the house. How can i know if this is due to follicle dysfunction or follicle depletion or insulin resistance and being overweight?
I am 38 years old and have two children( I know, I count my blessings) and this hormonal disturbances started after I stopped nursing my second one since May 2011. My abdominal fat is also from my last pregnancy although I have been over weight since many yeas. I do take multivitamin (0ne a day for women) , vitamin D3(1000 IU -since I am low on this one) and fish oil for omega 3. One more thing, is Fish oil same as DHEA?.
My heart goes out all lovely women over here trying to conceive..don’t loose hope, keep trying everything you can.
-Neeha.
Hi Michelle,
Some studies have shown that Vitex may make depression worse in women with PMS-D and progesterone deficiency, if you have either of these it would be best to avoid vitex. Because I am not a medical doctor I cannot say if Vitex should be combined with the medication you are taking. Vitex may or may not be able to help your body to regulate a menstrual cycle again. It is important to consider your egg health first. If your eggs are not healthy or dead, they cannot respond to hormones.
I am sorry to hear of your situation. You may want to seek out a naturopathic doctor to work one-on-one with, someone who can suggest natural remedies for your specific needs.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Actually I never have had depression, only anxiety.. I stopped taking the low loestrin about one month ago..I feel so much better! I have been on vitex for 2 weeks now with no side effects. I am seeking a second opinion from another doctor that was referred to my by a friend. Hopefully he will be able to shed some light as to what is going on.
Hi Neeha,
My suggestion would be to see a specialist, a reproductive endocrinologist about your issues. Dramatically changing your diet and exercise habits would also be very helpful. These changes need to be permanent. Learn to eat a low glycemic diet for diabetes. Have you had your thyroid check as well? That may also be a factor to talk with your doctor about.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Michelle,
Thanks for the correction and update!
Dalene