Genetic Basis For Premature Ovarian Failure Identified

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 22 May 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Researchers have successfully identified several genes associated with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or premature menopause, enabling carriers to make informed choices with regards to family planning.

The study by Dr Kathryn Woad, Wendy Watkins, Deborah Prendergast and Associate Professor Andrew Shelling - all from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences from University of Auckland - is published by Blackwell Publishing in the June issue of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Affecting approximately 1:100 women under the age of 40, POF often coincides with infertility and menopausal symptoms.

Only a few causes have been identified, and researchers have demonstrated a genetic component.

Approximately 20-30% of women with POF will have other affected female family members, suggesting that an inherited predisposition to the condition is common.

Two significant consequences of POF are the loss of fertility, and clinical effects of hypoestrogenism.

Women with POF are found to express anger, depression, anxiety, loss and sadness at their diagnosis - the condition may have a deleterious psychological impact, and its emotional importance is often underestimated.

Andrew Shelling added, "A better understanding of the causes of premature ovarian failure will provide the potential for early diagnosis, and also will allow us to consider new ways to treat the condition once it arises."

"Premature ovarian failure will remain a significant cause of infertility if women continue to leave child-bearing to later in life."

This study is published in the June 2006 issue of The Australia and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Vol. 46, No. 3).

About The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ANZJOG) is an editorially independent publication owned by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the RANZCOG Research foundation. ANZJOG aims to provide a medium for the publication of original contributions to clinical practice and/or research in all fields of obstetrics and gynaecology and related disciplines. Articles are peer reviewed by clinicians or researchers expert in the field of the submitted work.

About Blackwell Publishing

Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with 665 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and, to date has published close to 6,000 books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects. The company remains independent with 950 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Singapore, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell's mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with clients to enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice. For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://www.blackwell-synergy.com.

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