gynecology and obstetrics
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Etiology of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Primary ovarian insufficiency has various causes (see table Common Causes of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency ), including the following: The number of ovarian follicles present at birth is insufficient. The rate of follicular atresia is accelerated, as occurs when the ovaries are damaged during surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The follicles are dysfunctional (as occurs in autoimmune ovarian dysfunction). Certain genetic disorders are present. Genetic disorders that can cause premature ovarian insufficiency include Turner Syndrome (45,X or mosaic 45,X/46,XX or 45,X/47,XXX) Fragile X Syndrome (caused by a premutation in the Genetic disorders that confer a Y chromosome can also cause primary ovarian insufficiency. These disorders, which are usually evident by age 35, increase risk of ovarian germ cell cancer. 