Premature ovarian insufficiency: knowledge, attitudes, and quality of care offered by gynecologists.

OBJECTIVE: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects up to 3% of the global female population, influencing metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. Medical expertise in diagnosis, effects, and treatment strategies, particularly for gynecologists, is crucial for ensuring improved healthcare for women. The objective of this study is to assess the state of medical knowledge regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of POI among Brazilian gynecologists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaires administered to 16,000 members of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. RESULTS: In total, 460 questionnaires were received from gynecologists who had an average age of 44.49 ± 12.57 years and 19.37 ± 12.95 years of professional experience. Fifty-three percent of gynecologists diagnosed POI correctly, and 49% requested karyotype analysis, while fewer than 10% identified all POI etiologies. Over 90% of gynecologists understood the long-term consequences of POI for bone and cardiovascular health. Despite being a consequence of hypoestrogenism, hormone therapy was recommended only by 20% of doctors, with no more than 50% of them prescribing appropriate doses for young women. Regarding self-perception, 60% of gynecologists declared deficient knowledge regarding how to offer care and guidance to women, with hormone therapy being reported as the most important reason (47%). CONCLUSIONS: Current concepts and guidelines for POI are not adequately understood or applied in Brazilian clinical practice, leading to suboptimal care.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of very small stem cells from peripheral blood on the treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Premature ovary failure (POF) is a severe health condition with multiple negative outcomes, which deteriorate a patient's life. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from peripheral blood in the treatment of women with the POF background. METHODS: The current study was a pilot study carried-out on women younger than 40 with premature ovarian failure. Study participants underwent 4-months cell therapy using Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from peripheral bloods. Serum level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and Antral follicle count (AFC) were the main investigated outcomes that were assessed at baseline, month two and month four of the very small stem cell intervention. RESULTS: Average serum level of FSH was 45.0 (12.1) mIU/mL at baseline and continually decreased during the study and reached 33.2 (12.4) mIU/mL in the fourth month. The average AMH level was 0.10 ng/mL prior to the intervention and increased to 0.13 ng/mL in the 2nd month and 0.15 ng/mL in the fourth month. The level E2 was 85.7 (23.6) pg/ml on average at baseline, while the average E2 reduced to 77.2 (25.6) pg/ml in the fourth month. Average number of AFC was 2.0 (0.8) at baseline. We observed a gradual increase in the second month (Mean AFC=2.2) and after four months it increased to 3.1 (1.8) as the highest menstrual restoration and pregnancy was observed in 10% of our study participants. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs could significantly improve hormone secretion in women with POF. Implantation of MSCs in women with POF background was associated with an increase in AMH and AFC, while it downed the serum level of E2 and FSH. MSCs could also lead to menstrual restoration and pregnancy in women with POF.

In-vitro fertilization: donor egg sharing for premature ovarian failure / Fertilización in vitro: una donante comparte un óvulo en un caso de fallo ovárico prematuro

Premature ovarian failure may be a consequence of gonadotoxic cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation therapy for malignant or systemic disease often resulting in major quality of life concerns. This is the first reported case in the English-speaking Caribbean using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) donor egg sharing in a patient who experienced premature ovarian failure following chemotherapy and radiation for Hodgkin's disease. The donor's indication was tubal factor infertility. Both patients delivered healthy infants.

El fallo ovárico prematuro puede ser consecuencia de la quimioterapia citotóxica gonadotóxica o la terapia de radiación para alguna enfermedad maligna o sistémica, que a menudo trae consigo serios problemas para la calidad de vida. Se reporta el primer caso en el Caribe anglófono, en el que un óvulo de fertilización in vitro (FIV) de una donante, es compartido con una paciente que experimentó fallo ovárico prematuro tras ser sometida a quimioterapia y radiación a causa de la enfermedad de Hodgkin. El diagnóstico de la donante fue infertilidad por factor tubario. Ambos pacientes dieron a luz bebés saludables.

In-vitro fertilization: donor egg sharing for premature ovarian failure.

Premature ovarian failure may be a consequence of gonadotoxic cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation therapy for malignant or systemic disease often resulting in major quality of life concerns. This is the first reported case in the English-speaking Caribbean using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) donor egg sharing in a patient who experienced premature ovarian failure following chemotherapy and radiation for Hodgkin's disease. The donor's indication was tubal factor infertility. Both patients delivered healthy infants.

Successful ovarian autotransplant with no vascular reanastomosis in rats.

Preservation of ovarian functions in woman with premature ovarian failure remains an issue in reproductive medicine. Hormone replacement therapy for maintaining endocrine functions, and cryopreservation of embryos or oocytes for those who wish pregnancy, are some of the choices. However, ovarian transplantation is a more physiological alternative, although problems related to ovarian ischemia have been reported. Herein, we investigated the viability of autologous transplantation of the ovarian tissue into the rat peritoneum, without vascular reanastomosis. Twenty animals in the study group had both ovaries excised, and each ovary was dissected into two halves. A half of an ovary was autotransplanted to the peritoneal surface, closely located to the left epigastric vessels. This simple procedure does not require surgical vascular reanastomosis while it maintains appropriate follicular growth and therefore should be further considered as an alternative for women undergoing oophorectomy, not only to maintain endocrine functions but also for fertility preservation.

Ovarian reserve evaluation: state of the art.

PURPOSE: Revise role of hormonal basal and dynamic tests, as well as ultrasonographic measures as ovarian reserve markers, in order to provide better counseling to subfertile couples. METHODS: Review of publications on the topic, with an emphasis on recent well designed articles. RESULTS: Currently available ovarian reserve tests do not provide sufficient evidence to be solely considered ideal, even for premature ovarian senescence patients who do not present subfertility complaints. However, these markers occupy important place in initial approach to treatment of subfertile couples, predicting unsatisfactory results that could be improved by differentiated induction schemes and reducing excessive psychological and financial burdens, and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In order to remedy the limitations due to the scarcity of strong evidence about this topic, future studies should try to clarify predictive value of markers in groups of specific diseases-related subfertility and pay special attention to propaedeutic multivariate models including anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count.

Falência ovariana precoce (questões básicas no diagnóstico e tratamento) / Premature ovarian failure (basic questions and treatment)

Falência ovariana precoce (FOP) é uma condição ginecológica com importantes repercussões médicas e psicossoais. Mulheres portadoras de FOP apresentam risco de co-morbidades como insuficiência adrenal e osteoporose. A realização do diagnóstico correto e precoce depende do conhecimento dos sintomas iniciais e das causas dessa doença. Dentre as causas pode-se destacar síndrome do Turner, síndrome do X-frágil, doenças imunológicas, danos ao tecido ovariano, doença de Addison e síndrome de Perrault. A possibilidade do diagnóstico precoce reduz as complicações tardias associadas a essa doença e promove a oportunidade de tratamento específico para endocrinopatias, infertilidade e hipoestrogênismo

Premature ovarian failure (POF) represents a gynecological condition with important medical and psychosocial consequences. Women with POF have increased risk for other diseases such as adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. The correct and early diagnosis depends on the recognition of initial symptons and the causes of this disease. Amongst the causes are Turner Syndrome, immunological causes, Syndrome of X-Fragile, ovarian damage, Addison Disease and Perrault Syndrome. The early diagnosis reduces late complications associated to this pathology and provides a possibility to the specific treatment of endocrinopathies, infertility and estrogen deficiency

[Premature ovarian failure: present aspects]. / Falência ovariana prematura: aspectos atuais.

Premature ovarian failure occurs in approximately 1:1000 women before 30 years, 1:250 by 35 years and 1:100 by the age of 40. It is characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhea and cannot be considered as definitive because spontaneous conception may occur in 5 to 10% of cases. In 95% of cases, premature ovarian failure is sporadic. The known causes of premature ovarian failure include chromosomal defects, autoimmune diseases, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and certain drugs. Frequently, however, the etiology is not clear and these cases are considered to be idiopathic. Premature ovarian failure is defined by gonadal failure and high serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Clinical approach includes emotional support, hormonal therapy with estrogens and progesterone or progestogens, infertility treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis and potential cardiovascular risk.

Falência ovariana prematura: aspectos atuais / Premature ovarian failure: present aspects

A falência ovariana prematura (FOP) acomete aproximadamente 1:1000 mulheres antes dos 30 anos, 1:250 em torno dos 35 anos e de 1:100 aos 40 anos. Manifesta-se como amenorréia primária ou amenorréia secundária, não podendo ser considerada definitiva em todas as pacientes, uma vez que a concepção espontânea pode ocorrer em até 5-10 por cento das FOP. Na maioria dos casos apresenta-se na forma esporádica, pois apenas 5 por cento apresentam história familial. Entre as causas conhecidas estão as alterações cromossômicas, dos genes ligados ao cromossomo X e cromossomos autossômicos, doenças autoimunes, alterações tóxicas e iatrogênicas. Com relativa freqüência, a causa etiológica não é obtida, sendo então denominada de idiopática. O diagnóstico da FOP é feito baseado na história clínica e níveis elevados do hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), sendo posteriormente investigadas as causas mais específicas. O manejo clínico visa o suporte emocional, o tratamento hormonal com estrogênios e progestogênios, a abordagem da infertilidade e a prevenção de co-morbidades como a osteoporose e potencial maior risco cardiovascular.

Premature ovarian failure occurs in approximately 1:1000 women before 30 years, 1:250 by 35 years and 1:100 by the age of 40. It is characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhea and cannot be considered as definitive because spontaneous conception may occur in 5 to 10 percent of cases. In 95 percent of cases, premature ovarian failure is sporadic. The known causes of premature ovarian failure include chromosomal defects, autoimmune diseases, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and certain drugs. Frequently, however, the etiology is not clear and these cases are considered to be idiopathic. Premature ovarian failure is defined by gonadal failure and high serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Clinical approach includes emotional support, hormonal therapy with estrogens and progesterone or progestogens, infertility treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis and potential cardiovascular risk.

Successful ongoing pregnancies after vitrification of oocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficiency of vitrifying mature human oocytes for different clinical indications. DESIGN: Descriptive case series. SETTING: Cryobiology laboratory, Centro Colombiano de Fertilidad y Esterilidad-CECOLFES LTDA. (Bogotá, Colombia). PATIENT(S): Oocyte vitrification was offered as an alternative management for patients undergoing infertility treatment because of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, premature ovarian failure, natural ovarian failure, male factor, poor response, or oocyte donation. Mature oocytes were obtained from 33 donor women and 40 patients undergoing infertility treatment. INTERVENTION(S): Oocytes were retrieved by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and vitrified with the Cryotops method, with 30% ethylene glycol, 30% dimethyl sulfoxide, and 0.5 mol/L sucrose. Viability was assessed 3 hours after thawing. The surviving oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertilization was evaluated after 24 hours. The zygotes were further cultured in vitro for up to 72 hours until time of embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recovery, viability, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): Oocyte vitrification with the Cryotop method resulted in high rates of recovery, viability, fertilization, cleavage, and ongoing pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): Vitrification with the Cryotop method is an efficient, fast, and economical method for oocyte cryopreservation that offers high rates of survival, fertilization, embryo development, and ongoing normal pregnancies, providing a new alternative for the management of female infertility.

Primeros embarazos con el uso del antagonista de la hormona liberadora de gonadotrofinas ganirelix: reporte de dos casos / First pregnancies with the use of the gonadotropin release hormone antagonist ganirelix: report of two cases

Se reportan los dos primeros embarazos obtenidos con el uso del antagonista de la hormona liberadora de gonadotrofinas, Ganirelix. El primer embarazo se obtuvo en una paciente con diagnóstico de falla ovárica precoz a quien se le realizó donación de óvulos e inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides. Actualmente tiene embarazo de 10 semanas de gestación con evolución normal. A la segunda paciente se realizó ciclo de inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides por infertilidad primaria debida a factor masculino quien cursa en la actualidad con embarazo gemelar de 9 semanas

Falência ovariana precoce / Ovarian insufficiency early

A falência ovariana precoce é uma síndrome caracterizada pela perda da função ovariana antes dos 40 anos de idade da mulher. O risco de ocorrência numa população feminina com menos de 40 anos é estimado em 0,9%. Os sintomas de dificiência estrogênica são mais comuns em mulheres com amenorréia secundária primária. Entre estas últimas, é muito mais frequente anormalidades cromossômicas (mais de 50%) e falta de desenvolvimento das características sexuais secundárias (cerca de 89%). A etiologia é variada, podendo ocasionar falência ovariana folicular parcial ou total. Com frequência, observa-se uma evolução gradativa até a perda total da função folicular. Mulheres com amenorréia primária e falência precoce não ovulam nem concebem. Entre aquelas com amenorréia secundária, tem-se observado casos de retorno da ovulação e mesmo gestações, embora raramente. Os distúrbios imunológicos podem ser detectados em até 20% das mulheres com falência ovariana precoce. Existe uma relação entre falência ovariana precoce e algumas doenças auto-imunes endocrinológicas, como a tireoidite, o diabetes insulino-dependente e a doença de Addison. Nas situações ditas idiopáticas, na ausência de outras doenças concomitantes, também foram encontradas anormalidades imunológicas. É fundamental o diagnóstico adequado e precoce, com pelo menos duas dosagens seriadas das gonadotropinas, para confirmar. Do mesmo modo, deve-se pesquisar doenças associadas, bem como fazer a prevenção de problemas relacionados à falência ovariana precoce. Impõe-se o adequado acompanhamento da mulher, tanto do ponto de vista emocional quanto orgânico, neste caso instituindo precocemente a adequada terapêutica de reposição hormonal. Salvo raras excessões, para se obter uma gravidez após a instalação do quadro, deve-se recorrer às modernas técnicas de reprodução assistida, com a doação de óvulos de mulheres normais

Insuficiência ovariana precoce / Premature ovarian failure

Os autores fazem revisäo da literatura e tecem comentários acerca dos principais aspectos epidemiológicos, etiopatogênicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos da insuficiência ovariana precoce.

Menopausia prematura: ¿Una entidad irreversible? / Premature menopause: ¿Irreversible precocious menopause?

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 32 años de edad con diagnóstico de menopausia precoz de causa desconocida. Su evaluación incluyó determinaciones hormonales, estudios ecográficos, genéticos e histología. Al suspender el tratamiento de reemplazo hormonal la paciente reasume sus ciclos menstruales regulares espóntaneos con niveles normales de hormonas sexuales

Uso de hormona de crecimiento en pacientes con hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico post-quirúrgico, resistente al uso de gonadotrofinas / Use of growth hormones in patients with postsurgical hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, gonadotrophins resistent

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 40 años, portadora de hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico secundario a la resección transfenoidal de un prolactinoma efectuado en 1983. A pesar de múltiples intentos (10-12) de inducir ovulación con el uso de gonadotrofinas menopáusicas humanas, esto no se logró. En abril de 1995 se adicionó a las gonadotrofinas, hormona de crecimiento en dosis bajas, consiguiéndose ovulación pero no embarazo. En octubre de 1995, en el segundo intento, se consigue embarazo, que cursa normalmente

Insuficiencia ovárica prematura en mujeres infértiles atendidas en el Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza / Premature ovarian insufficiency in infertile women at the Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y las manifestaciones clínicas de Insuficiencia Ovárica Prematura en las pacientes infértiles. Material y métodos: En un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, se revisaron las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas en el Consultorio de Infertilidad del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza (HNAL), entre enero de 1989 y marzo de 1995. Resultados: Se encontró 27 pacientes con el citado diagnóstico, de un total de 1,855 pacientes que acudieron a consulta (1.45 por ciento). Todas tuvieron valores de FSH elevado y 25 pacientes tuvieron niveles bajos de estradiol. Se observó hipotrofia de genitales externos y de vagina en el 11.11 por ciento, y de mamas en el 14.8 por ciento. Se realizó biopsia ovárica a 7 pacientes, en seis de ellas se observó ausencia de folículos. El diagnóstico más frecuente fué el de Insuficiencia Ovárica Prematura Idiopática. El tratamiento consistió en terapia hormonal de reemplazo con estrógenos/progestágenos secuenciales. En una paciente se indujo ovulación con menotropinas y se obtuvo gestación gemelar. Conclusiones: La insuficiencia ovárica prematura es poco frecuente en mujeres infértiles del HNAL, generalmente se presenta como amenorrea secundaria. La tercera parte presentó síntomas vasomotores

Falla ovárica prematura: causas genéticas

Presentamos una paciente de 33 años de edad que consulta por amenorrea secundaria causada por una Falla Ovárica Prematura(FOP) secundaria a un Síndrome Turner en mosaico. La FOP definida como amenorrea hipergonadotrópica en pacientes menores de 40 años tiene una incidencia del 2 al 10 por ciento. Es causada por diferentes entidades entre las que encontramos desórdenes autoinmunes, defectos metabólicos y enzimáticos, enfermedades infecciosas, causas iatrogénicas, defectos en las gonadotropinas y causas genéticas. Estas últimas son responsables de FOP especialmente en pacientes menores de 30 años, en las que se justifica la solicitud de cariotipo como parte del estudio. Describimos las características de la disgenesia gonadal, del Síndrome Turner y los elementos funcionales del cromosoma X cuya ausencia altera la función gonadal. También mencionamos los diferentes mosaicos descritos en relación al Síndrome Turner y sus consecuencias en el desarrollo somático y gonadal

Doaçäo de oócitos como tratamento da infertilidade em pacientes com insuficiência ovariana precoce / Oocyte donation as treatment of infertility in patients with premature ovarian failure

Um total de sete ciclos de transferência de embrioes provenientes da doaçao de oócitos foram realizados em cinco pacientes portadoras de insuficiência ovariana precoce. As doadoras possuíam idade inferior a 35 anos e as receptoras apresentavam idade média de 38,6 anos. No esquema de sincronizaçao entre doadora e receptora usou-se um ciclo semiprogramado com pílula, seguido de estimulaçao da doadora com citrato de clomifeno e gonadrotrofina menopausal humana. As receptoras foram facilmente acopladas com as doadoras através de um modelo flexível de doses crescentes de valerianato de estradiol. O número médio de oócitos doados foi de 3,14, a taxa de clivagem embrionária média de 80,2 por cento, sendo o número médio de embrioes transferidos de 2,57. A taxa de implantaçao embrionária foi de 22,2 por cento. As gestaçoes clínicas ocorreram em 57,l por cento dos ciclos. Provavelmente, essa série é a primeira apresentada na literatura nacional sobre a doaçao de oócitos no tratamento da infertilidade em pacientes com insuficiência ovariana precoce.