We support women facing premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI
While most women know it’s difficult to get pregnant after 40, for some, premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI, affects fertility at a younger age. Our fertility expert, Dr. Andrew Levi, knows this is a difficult diagnosis. But our Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine team stands ready to help women seeking fertility care in Connecticut with options to realize their family-building dreams.
What is premature ovarian insufficiency?
When a woman’s ovaries stop working, they no longer make typical amounts of estrogen and progesterone and don’t release eggs regularly. If this happens before reaching age 40, a patient is said to have POI, which replaces the previously used term “premature ovarian failure.” This diagnosis affects an estimated 1% to 3% of women.
Almost all women with this condition experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, night sweats and insomnia well before the average onset of menopause at age 51. Some women are surprised because their period stops abruptly. Others may have irregular periods before their ovaries shut down.
In most cases, the exact cause of POI is unclear; however, there are a few known causes.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as those affecting the thyroid or adrenal glands
- A family link with a close family member (mother or sister) who stopped having her period before the age of 40
- Genetic causes, such as Turner and Fragile X syndromes
- Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
Dr. Levi, our experienced reproductive endocrinologist, thoughtfully customizes fertility care in Connecticut. He starts with a complete health history, followed by fertility testing. An ultrasound can show the size of the ovaries and the number of follicles, which contain the eggs. Bloodwork can detect autoimmune issues, provide genetic information, and indicate reproductive hormone levels. Elevated levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) or low estrogen are indicators of premature ovarian insufficiency.
Our fertility care in Connecticut considers the whole patient
Women with premature ovarian insufficiency can rest assured that Andrew Levi MD prioritizes caring for the whole patient. This means addressing immediate concerns about reproductive health as well as long-term physical well-being.
In some cases, women with POI may still be able to achieve pregnancy with IVF, and most can experience the joy of pregnancy and become moms with the help of donor eggs, which are a reliable fertility treatment option. Park Avenue Fertility maintains an active egg donor program and collaborates with frozen donor egg banks, making IVF with donor eggs a seamless experience.
Our Park Avenue Fertility team offers compassionate care for women facing premature ovarian insufficiency. We prioritize immediate family-building goals and long-term health for women seeking fertility care in Connecticut. Contact us for more information about our fertility care.
