Studying the Diagnostic Process of Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a condition diagnosed in women who experience cessation of menses prior to age forty (secondary amenorrhea), or never initially begin menses (primary amenorrhea). Both primary and secondary amenorrhea lead to infertility, and can increase the risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Typically having an idiopathic cause, POI is diagnosed in 1% of women before age 40, and 0.1% before age 30. In this study, the diagnostic process of women with POI was studied through the use of a questionnaire. Twenty-three women with POI were recruited through Magee Womens Hospital and other sites, nineteen of whom were eligible for analysis. Using logistic regression analysis, factors such as age of diagnosis, months of cessation, and type of amenorrhea were studied to determine the role they play in a participant’s opinion regarding helpfulness of providers. Odds ratios of 0.87, 0.99, and 3.63 were calculated for each of these factors, respectively. The most striking trend was the difference between women with primary amenorrhea and women with secondary amenorrhea; the odds of a reported helpful outcome was found to be 3.63 times more likely in those with secondary amenorrhea than those with primary. In addition, the results showed that most women find their physician provider and the internet essentially equivalently helpful with respect to providing health-related information about POI. Studies on the diagnostic process of women with POI have public health significance because this condition affects 1% of the population in the United States. More needs to be done in terms of providing educational and emotional support after a diagnosis is made. As awareness is increased, referrals to genetic counselors can be made. Genetic counselors are a resource that could be utilized for these patients, not only for educational purposes, but also for the emotional and psychosocial aspects of a POI diagnosis