Is premature menopause the same as premature ovarian failure?

Premature menopause and premature ovarian failure are two related but not entirely identical concepts. Premature menopause, medically termed "premature ovarian insufficiency" or "primary ovarian insufficiency," refers to the occurrence of natural menopause in women before the age of 40. It can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, mood swings, decreased libido, and osteoporosis. Premature ovarian failure, on the other hand, refers to a decline in ovarian function in women under the age of 40. This decline leads to reduced estrogen levels, which in turn can cause symptoms including amenorrhea, infertility, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness.

Premature ovarian failure is one of the main causes of premature menopause; however, premature menopause may not be exclusively caused by premature ovarian failure. Other contributing factors can include genetic predispositions, autoimmune diseases, effects of chemotherapy drugs, and surgical removal of the ovaries. Women who have experienced premature menopause or suspect they may have premature ovarian failure should seek timely medical consultation for comprehensive physical examinations and evaluations, to determine the underlying cause and implement appropriate treatment measures.