Premature Ovarian Failure - Hormonal Replacement

Hormonal Replacement

It is important to initiate the hormonal replacement therapy after the diagnosis of POF, as untreated patients are at a great risk of bone loss due to increased osteoclast activities, resulting in osteopenia as well as osteoporosis. Furthermore, most of the patients develop symptoms of estrogen deficiency, including vasomotor flushes and vaginal dryness, both of which respond to estrogen therapy effectively. There are several contraindications of estrogen supplement, including smokers over 35 years of age, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or history of thromboemboli events. If the patient has strong family history of thromboemboli events, care must be taken to proceed with the hormonal replacement therapy. As the minimum, testing for Factor V Leiden, Protein C, and Protein S should be performed to ensure the low risk of developing thromboemboli events while on the estrogen replacement. The transdermal estradiol patch (typically 100 mcg) is commonly recommended because of several advantages. It provides the replacement by steady infusion rather than by bolus when taking daily pills. It also avoids the first-pass effect in the liver.