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Ovarian hypofunction

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Premature ovarian failure

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.

• Review Date: 5/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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