wonder women
AUGUST, 2018 | The HEALTH
Primary Ovarian
Insufficiency (POI)
KADINIZ.COM
P
OI is the depletion or impaired
function of ovarian follicles with
cessation of menses before age 40
years. In most patients, the causes are
usually unknown.
University of Malaya, Faculty of Medi-
cine Department of Medicine senior
lecturer and consultant Endocrinologist
Dr Lee Ling Lim explained that other
possible causes include:
• Chromosomal abnormalities such as
Fragile X Syndrome
• Co-occurrence with certain hormonal
disorders such as low parathyroid/
adrenal/thyroid hormones (usually
antibodies-related)
• Autoimmune: presence of ovarian
antibodies
• Damage to the ovaries after chemo-
therapy or radiation therapy
“Adolescents or young women are
usually affected by POI. The most
common symptoms is the presence
of irregular menses for at least three
months, after excluding the use of
birth control pills and other hormonal
disorders that can affect the menstrual
cycle such as high prolactin level and
low thyroid hormones. The presence of
family history of premature menopause
is also suggestive.”
The basic blood tests include FSH
and oestrogen levels – two random tests
which are a month apart, prolactin level
and thyroid hormones test.
Pure
decadence
Treatment
Affected individuals tend to be co-man-
aged by the endocrinologists, fertility
specialists and paediatricians specialised
in growth and development.
Hormonal therapy is used to replace
the oestrogens (female hormone) until
the natural age of menopause, for optimal
bone health, pubertal growth and sexual
maturation, as well as prevention of
cardiovascular disease. For the latter,
additional strategies include dietary
control, regular exercise and smoking
cessation. Individuals need to be referred
to fertility specialists for advice on the
reproductive techniques.
DARK chocolates in reason-
able amounts is associated with
few positive health outcomes
such as reduced blood pressure,
increased circulation and keeping
bad cholesterol down.
Quality dark chocolate with
a high cocoa content contains a
decent amount of soluble fiber,
loaded with minerals is actually
quite nutritious.
However, moderation is
advised with no more than one
ounce a day.
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