Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

For women with POI, irregular periods and reduced fertility occur before the age of 40, sometimes as early as the teenage years.

In most cases, the exact cause of POI is unknown. Research shows that POI is related to problems with the follicles—small sacs in the ovaries in which eggs grow and mature.

If a woman is younger than age 40 and begins having irregular periods or stops having periods for 4 months or longer, her healthcare provider may do exams and tests to learn if she has POI.

Because POI results in lower levels of certain hormones, women with POI are at greater risk for a number of health conditions.

Currently, there is no proven treatment to restore normal function to a woman's ovaries. But there are treatments for some POI symptoms and to reduce health risks and conditions associated with POI.

NICHD conducts and supports research on Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and on many disorders associated with POI.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.

Find answers to other common questions about Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, such as how it affects fertility and its connection to Fragile X syndrome.

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.