POI adverse health sequelae
- 02 Dec 2023
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POI adverse health sequelae
- Updated on 02 Dec 2023
- 1 Minute to read
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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can result in a number of short and long-term health sequelae due to low oestrogen levels.
To prevent adverse effects on cardiovascular health, bone health and cognition, women with POI (including those without symptoms), should be advised to take HRT until the natural age of menopause (unless contraindicated).
The BMS says HRT is unlikely to increase the risk of breast cancer in women with POI.
SHORT-TERM SEQUELAE OF POI:
- Menopausal symptoms negatively affecting quality of life.
- Urogenital symptoms. These are estimated to affect 40-50% of POI patients.
- Psychological and emotional distress, particularly during the initial phase of realisation and acceptance.
LONG-TERM SEQUELAE OF POI:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
- Increased risk of cognitive decline.
- Reduced fertility. The chance of natural conception is estimated to be between 5-10%.
- Psychological and emotional distress.
NOTE:
- 12-14% of women with POI do not experience menopausal symptoms.
References and Further Information:
- DAISY network -patient support charity.
- The ESHRE Guideline group on POI. ESHRE Guideline: management of women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Human Reproduction 2016. Found on page 931.
- Joint position statement by the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on best practice recommendations for the care of women experiencing the menopause. Post Reproductive Health 2022.
- Menopause Practice Standards produced by the British Menopause Society (BMS), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Society for Endocrinology (SfE), Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) 2022. Found on page 12.
- Panay N, Anderson A, Nappi R et al. Premature ovarian insufficiency: an international society white paper. Climacteric 2020.
- NICE Menopause: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline 2015. Last updated 2019. Section 1.6.9.
- Hamoda H. Premature ovarian insufficiency. BMS Consensus statement. 2020.
- NICE CKS guidance. Management. When should I refer a woman with menopausal symptoms? Last revised Sept 2022.
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