Premature ovarian failure Ovarian premature failure is defined as secondary amenorrhea before the age of 40 in women with normal age at menarche and normal development of secondary sexual characteristics. It is characterized by hypergonadotropic, hypoestrogenemic features and ovarian histology showing perimenopausal or postmenopausal changes in older women. Causes of premature ovarian failure: The causes have not been fully elucidated and may be related to the following factors: Genetic factors: X chromosome deletions or aberrations can lead to atrophy and degeneration of the formed follicles. Ovarian surgery: partial removal of ovaries, ovarian cyst debridement or removal of one side of the adnexa, as well as radiation and chemotherapy can damage the ovaries and cause premature ovarian failure. Infection: Viral mumps in childhood may cause early and severe ovarian damage; severe infections such as tubal and ovarian abscesses can destroy ovarian tissue and lead to premature ovarian failure. Abnormal pituitary function: overstimulation of gonadotropins can accelerate follicular atresia and cause excessive follicular depletion. Immune factors: Premature ovarian failure is often complicated by thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, there are anti-ovarian antibodies in the peripheral blood, which can damage the follicles and cause ovarian failure when combined with the corresponding cells in the ovaries. Idiopathic premature ovarian failure: Premature menopause without a clear cause, with a karyotype of 46XX and usually no detectable autoimmune antibodies, is the most common type of premature ovarian failure. Diagnosis of premature ovarian failure: In addition to detailed medical history and physical examination, the following tests should be performed: karyotype analysis, ultrasound, thyroid function measurement, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, blood sedimentation, immunoglobulin measurement, etc. If necessary, nuclear magnetic and CT examinations are needed to exclude pituitary lesions, and laparoscopy can also be used to examine ovarian morphology. Treatment of premature ovarian failure: The most commonly used treatment is estrogen and progestin artificial cycle therapy to relieve a series of postmenopausal symptoms brought about by low estrogen. Women with fertility requirements are treated with estrogen and progestin artificial cycle therapy for 3-5 months followed by monitoring ovulation and guiding sexual life. Glucocorticoid therapy may be given to those with positive autoantibodies. In conclusion, premature ovarian failure is not an incurable disease. Medication can maintain normal female sexual characteristics, work and live like normal women, and some women of childbearing age are even lucky enough to get pregnant and give birth.