Shaista Aziz.
Demographic and social factors of premature ovarian failure.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;50(2):71-4.

Aims: To correlate the demographic and social factors associated with premature ovarian failure. Study type, settings and duration: Retrospective analysis of case records of patients attending the Gynaecology and Infertility Clinic of Baqai University Hospital, Nazimabad over 5 years. Patients and Methods: A total of 2500 patients were seen in the department over 5 years and out of these 45 had premature ovarian failure. Their age, parity, educational level, weight and information about sociodemographic characteristics, gynaecology and obstetrical data, general life style habits, history of other clinical conditions were recorded on a proforma report of results of hormones like Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenising hormone, Estrogen, Progesterone, Thyroid hormones, Prolactin, Fasting serum Insulin and Antiphospholipid antibodies, Antiovarian antibodies and Thyroid microsomal antibodies measured by radioimmunoassay method were also recorded. The diagnosis of Premature Ovarian failure was made on serum follicle stimulating hormone level at 2 occasions few weeks. Results: Prevalence of Premature Ovarian Failure among infertility patients was 1.8%. Their mean age was 28 years at attaining amenorrhea. About 27(60%) had more than 12 years of education. Majority 40(88%) were nulliparous and 3(6.6%) had live births. Twenty seven (60%) patients gave the history of irregular cycles and secondary amenorrhea. Family history of premature ovarian failure was seen in 2(4.4%). Five (11%) patients showed fluctuating follicle stimulating hormone levels and 6(13%) had detected thyroid microsomal antibodies. Conclusions: Nulliparity, middle or high education level, life long irregular cycles and ovarian autoimmunity were associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian failure. Currently ovarian biopsy is the only way to diagnose it.

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