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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTo help make a diagnosis of premature ovarian failure, your doctor may ask about your signs and symptoms, your menstrual cycle, and a history of exposure to any toxins, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Most women have few signs of premature ovarian failure, but you'll likely have a physical examination, including a pelvic exam.
Several blood tests are important in making a diagnosis. These include:
- Pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are often performed on women of childbearing age who have missed a period to rule out the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of follicles in your ovaries. Women with premature ovarian failure often have abnormally high levels of FSH in the blood.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) test. Luteinizing hormone prompts a mature follicle within the ovary to release an egg. In women with premature ovarian failure, the level of LH is usually lower than the level of FSH.
- Serum estradiol test. The blood level of estradiol, a type of estrogen, is usually low in women with premature ovarian failure.
- Karyotype. This is a test that examines all 46 of your chromosomes for abnormalities. Some women with premature ovarian failure may have only one X chromosome instead of two or may have other chromosomal defects.
- Cedars M, et al. Premature ovarian failure. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2008;93:i.
- Do I have premature ovarian failure (POF)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/pof/sub1.cfm#what. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Lobo RA. Menopause: Endocrinology, consequences of estrogen deficiency, effects of hormone replacement therapy, treatment regimens. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112160892-5/778264621/1524/277.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50045-5--cesec1_1347. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Welt CK. Pathogenesis and causes of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Bulun SE, et al. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112160892-6/778264621/1555/106.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50018-2--cesec91_1490. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Kalu E, et al. Spontaneous premature ovarian failure: Management challenges. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2008;24:273.
- Nelson LM, et al. Evaluation of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Nelson LM, et al. Management of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
