Ovarian failure occurs in women younger than age 40 who either don't produce enough eggs or who have reduced estrogen levels that compromise their fertility. According to MayoClinic.com, premature ovarian failure often is referred to as early menopause, although women who experience premature menopause may continue to have irregular menstrual cycles.
Basics
Estrogen is a hormone found in both men and women. In women, the hormone is responsible for sexual development and fertility. According to the website Healthy Women, estrogen is produced in the adrenal glands, the ovaries and in fat tissue. The pituitary gland produces eggs in premenopausal women, which creates additional estrogen that results in a thickening of the uterus. The egg is then either fertilized or extracted through menstruation.
Causes
In fertile women, the pituitary gland produces hormones that result in ovulation. Estrogen levels are required to remain in normal ranges in order for the process to successfully produce an egg each month. Ovulation cannot happen when estrogen levels are too low. Women experience ovarian failure because of genetic disorders or as a result of cell destroying medications such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Considerations
Women who do conceive while producing low estrogen amounts can pass on the condition to a female fetus who may be born with insufficient estrogen producing responses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Women are born with a set number of eggs and continue to carry those eggs, or follicles, until they reach menopause. Girls born with fewer eggs as a result of a mother's low estrogen levels may face early menopause or have trouble conceiving.
Effects
Low estrogen levels can lead to a variety of effects ranging from infertility to reduced bone density, hot flashes and vaginal atrophy. Estrogen supplements are used to treat delayed puberty and menopausal symptoms. While estrogen supplements cannot cure complete ovarian failure, the hormones can prevent the condition when it's still in the pre-ovarian failure state. Estrogen therapy is used to increase sexual desire in women to help them conceive as well as relieve other symptoms of low estrogen levels such as dry vaginal walls and low ovarian hormone production.
Features
Estrogen supplements are prescribed in pill form, as a patch or in gel form. Estrogen also can be delivered through a vaginal ring. In addition to increasing fertility prior to ovarian failure, estrogen can help to relieve the symptoms of menopause and restore bone density. Estrogen usually is prescribed with progesterone, according to MayoClinic.com, to prevent the development of cancer in the uterus. Taking estrogen over a long period of time can lead to breast cancer and heart disease, but for young women looking to improve their chances of having a baby and relieve early symptoms of menopause, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. After conception, women may discontinue the therapy.
