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Ovarian hypofunction - Overview

Alternative Names

Premature ovarian failure

Definition of Ovarian hypofunction:

Ovarian hypofunction is reduced function of the ovaries (including decreased production of hormones).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ovarian hypofunction may be caused by genetic factors such as chromosome abnormalities, or it may occur with certain autoimmune disorders that disrupt normal ovarian function.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause ovarian hypofunction.

Ovarian hypofunction

Reviewed last on: 6/29/2010
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Speroff L, Fritz MA. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology & Infertility, 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

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