Periods that stop or become persistently irregular before age 40 deserve an evaluation. Premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI, is one possible explanation. The diagnosis combines the menstrual pattern with evidence of reduced ovarian activity, rather than relying on a hormone result alone.[1]
POI refers to loss of ovarian activity before 40. Current guidance uses “early menopause” for cessation of ovarian function at ages 40 to 44. These terms describe different age groups.[1]
FSH is part of the assessment
Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is made by the pituitary gland and helps regulate ovarian function. Its level is interpreted with symptoms, menstrual history and other findings.[2]
The current international POI guideline combines several months of absent or irregular periods with an elevated FSH result. A repeat FSH test is recommended when there is diagnostic uncertainty, rather than being required for every diagnosis. Testing for suspected POI does not have to occur on one particular menstrual-cycle day.[1]
Estradiol and AMH answer different questions
Low estradiol can support the finding of reduced ovarian activity when considered alongside elevated FSH. The guideline does not recommend diagnosing POI from estradiol alone.[1]
Anti-Müllerian hormone, or AMH, is also not the primary diagnostic test for POI. It may help clarify uncertainty when FSH results are inconclusive, but the result still needs the clinical context.[1]
Other explanations need consideration
Pregnancy needs to be excluded when periods stop. Medicines can also affect menstrual patterns and hormone results, so the provider needs a complete medication history before interpreting testing.[1]
If POI is diagnosed, the conversation extends to possible causes, symptoms, bone health and reproductive goals. The cause is not always identifiable. Ovarian activity can sometimes occur in nonsurgical POI, which is one reason the condition should not be described simply as permanent menopause.[1]
