What are the treatment options for premature ovarian insufficiency?

Premature ovarian insufficiency means the ovaries are working less consistently before the usual age of menopause. A clinician may discuss hormone replacement therapy to replace oestrogen and other hormones the body may be producing in lower amounts. This can help manage hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep or mood changes and support bone health, but suitability depends on medical history and whether pregnancy is possible or planned. A bone density scan can assess bone strength. Blood tests and other checks may help investigate the cause rather than replace an individual assessment.

Tell your clinician whether your priorities are symptom relief, protecting bones, contraception, or trying to conceive. Hormone therapy is different from contraception, so ask whether you also need pregnancy prevention. Discuss calcium-rich foods, vitamin D, weight-bearing activity, smoking, alcohol and medicines that may affect bone health. Fertility options should be explained by a reproductive specialist; ovarian activity can be unpredictable, and treatment cannot promise a particular outcome. Emotional support or counselling may help with changes to fertility, identity or relationships.

Arrange an appointment for missed or irregular periods, new menopausal symptoms at a younger age, or concerns about fertility. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg. While taking hormones, report new migraine with neurological symptoms or unexplained bleeding promptly so the treatment can be reviewed.

Ask what may have caused the ovarian insufficiency, which hormone option fits your health history, whether you need contraception, when bone density should be checked, and which fertility referrals are available.