My menopausal condition, as for many other women, who are diagnosed under the age of 40, is known as Premature Ovarian Failure (“POF”).
This is the definition of the word failure:
noun – lack of success.
If I am honest, the word didn’t really impact me upon diagnosis, as at that point, I was just relieved to be given a diagnosis. However, for many, it can absolutely feel like they have personally failed in some way and particularly for those who have yet to fulfill their family desires.
Another term for POF (and one that I prefer) is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (“POI”). This description feels kinder to the soul. This term is used when the ovaries stop functioning as they usually would before the age of 40.
When I was diagnosed at the age of 35. I was fortunate to have already completed my family, but I struggled to accept I needed to deal with my symptoms at a younger than average age. At that time, I didn’t think I needed to deal with menopause until I was 50 – little did I know!
My diagnosis was made by blood tests to check my follicle-stimulating hormone levels (“FSH”). I was advised that the blood tests can also be inconclusive and the result might be different depending on what time of day the bloods were taken. I believe I was extremely fortunate that my blood test results supported my symptoms in order to gain diagnosis.
POI can sometimes run in families (as it does in mine) it can also occur following surgery, such as hysterectomy and treatment for cancer.
I have asked myself why I am today writing a blog about POI when I have been dealing with it for years and the answer is; in the last two days I have spoken to three different women who have all confided in me with their own personal stories and they fulfill all categories of the cause of POI I have mentioned above.
If you want to consider the word ‘failure’ once more; then please take a moment to consider those who feel complete failure upon the diagnosis of POI and some who have not only dealt with cancer treatment, but then surged into menopause.
There is often an unknown consideration of POI when going through fertility treatment. I have spoken to women who were having fertility treatment only to get diagnosed with POI. These women are heartbroken.
Referencing: www.nhs.co.uk and www.mayoclinic.org
