What are researchers doing to learn more about premature ovarian failure?
Currently, the NICHD is conducting and sponsoring a number of studies on
premature ovarian failure:
Some researchers are exploring whether a low dose
of a certain steroids
can treat premature ovarian failure in cases caused by an autoimmune disorder. The steroid, called
prednisone, decreases the function of the body's immune system, which is thought
to be attacking the ovary follicles in some women with premature ovarian failure.
Researchers are trying to determine the best combination and dosage of HRT
for treating premature ovarian failure. Some work is trying to learn whether adding testosterone to a
woman's HRT can help to prevent bone loss. Other studies are trying to find the
amount of estrogen and progestin that best treats premature ovarian failure without causing too many
side effects.
Other research focuses on what happens in an ovary that is working
normally. This information may help scientists develop a test for early
detection of premature ovarian failure.
Clinical trials to explore these topics are underway. To find out more about these studies, contact the NICHD's Unit on
Gynecologic Endocrinology, at 1-877-206-0911. You can also learn more about all
studies on premature ovarian failure by going to http://clinicaltrials.gov, and doing a search for
"premature ovarian failure."
Or, you can call the NIH Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at
1-800-411-1222.
In addition to these studies, the NICHD has a
Reproductive Medicine Gynecology Program in its Reproductive Sciences Branch
that supports research on women's health conditions that aren't cancerous,
including premature ovarian failure. In 1998, the NICHD joined other Institutes at the NIH in setting
up 12 Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development Centers. These
Centers support obstetricians and gynecologists in becoming researchers, so that
they can study topics on women's health. Eight additional Centers, started in
1999, will allow this vital
research to continue until scientists know the causes and treatments for
premature ovarian failure and
other reproductive diseases.
The NICHD's Reproductive Sciences Branch also has other
programs that support research on premature ovarian failure, and on other topics that affect women's
health. The Specialized Cooperative Centers Program in Reproductive Research
(SCCPRR), established in the late 1990s, relies on multidisciplinary approaches
to research on reproductive health topics. SCCPRR has a number of basic,
translational, and clinical scientific studies in progress at 14 sites around
the country that are aimed at finding the cause of premature ovarian failure, including genetics and
the factors that cause follicle depletion and dysfunction.
Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the
rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary.
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are
often subtle.
Low testosterone can affect both men and women. Causes of low testosterone in males include undescended testicles and injury to the scrotum. Low testosterone in females includes ovary conditions. Treatment for low testosterone in men includes testosterone replacement therapy. Currently there is no FDA approved testosterone treatment for women.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Addison disease is a hormonal (endocrine) disorder involving destruction of the adrenal glands (small glands adjacent to the kidneys). Diseased glands can no longer produce sufficient adrenal hormones (specifically cortisol) necessary for normal daily body functions. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin. Treatment of Addison disease involves replacing, or substituting, the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, heredity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treatment includes life-style changes, medications, procedures, or surgery.
Hot flashes (or flushing) is the most common symptom experienced by a woman prior to and during the early stages of menopause. Hot flashes can be caused by other conditions. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and at times, blood tests. Treatment options include hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medications. There are non-FDA approved natural remedies.
Infertility is the diminished ability to conceive a child. The primary cause of infertility in men is a sperm disorder. In women, the primary cause of infertility is an ovulation disorder. Most forms of infertility can be treated. Conventional infertility therapies include drugs or surgery.
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. It's caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. People with Fragile X syndrome suffer from physical, social, emotional, speech, language, sensory, intelligence, and learning impairments. There is no definitive treatment for Fragile X, though there are ways to minimize the symptoms.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Premature menopause is when a woman goes through menopause before the age of 40 because of genetics, illness, or a medical procedure. Symptoms of premature menopause include irregular or missed periods, mood swings, hot flashes, periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, incontinence, dry skin, eyes or mouth, sleeplessness, and decreased sex drive. Though premature menopause cannot be reversed, the symptoms can be managed with methods similar to those used for natural menopause.
Trying to get conceive, or become pregnant can be challenging, frustrating, and an emotional rollercoaster for some couples. There are things you can do to chart progress, which may ultimately lead to a successful healthy pregnancy, or, when necessary, lead to discussions with a fertility specialist. Being aware of your menstrual cycle, charting your fertility pattern, knowing the reasons for infertility, and treating infertility are key points to discuss with your partner and physician.
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