Endocrine Abstracts

Primary ovarian failure (POF) is defined as a premature ovarian defect characterized by absent menarche (primary amenorrhea) or secondary amenorrhea lasting at least 6 months associated with a premature depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40 years. POF is a frequent disease affecting female fertility and well-being and generating several co-morbidities. Since the onset of POF is frequently silent and fertility defects occur in the occult phases of the disease several groups are working to generate novel tests for POF prediction. The availability of efficient tests would constitute the basis for the preservation of fertility in POF women. This search is however hampered by the present lack of knowledge on POF pathogenesis. The MTE session will focus on the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of premature ovarian failure and on how genetic and biochemical investigations may be applied for the counselling of POF women.