Reproductive health
Medicines for Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
When the ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40, causing menopausal symptoms and affecting fertility — managed with hormone treatment to protect health.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is when the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40, producing less oestrogen and releasing eggs irregularly or not at all. This leads to menopausal-type symptoms — such as irregular or absent periods, hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, reduced sex drive and vaginal dryness — and significantly affects fertility, often when a woman still wished to have children.
- How it is treated: A central part of care is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the combined contraceptive pill, usually recommended until at least the natural age of menopause, to relieve symptoms and — importantly — to protect bone and heart health, which the loss of oestrogen would otherwise affect.
- Self-care: Taking hormone treatment as advised (to protect bones and heart), weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone health, not smoking, and accessing emotional and fertility support all help women with POI.
- When to seek help: See a GP about periods stopping or becoming irregular before age 40, especially with menopausal symptoms, for assessment.
What it is
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is when the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40, producing less oestrogen and releasing eggs irregularly or not at all. This leads to menopausal-type symptoms — such as irregular or absent periods, hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, reduced sex drive and vaginal dryness — and significantly affects fertility, often when a woman still wished to have children. It can happen for various reasons, including genetic conditions, autoimmune conditions, cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy) or surgery, but in many cases no cause is found. Beyond symptoms and fertility, the reduced oestrogen matters for long-term health, particularly bone and heart health. It is diagnosed with blood tests (hormone levels) alongside the pattern of periods and symptoms.
How it is treated
A central part of care is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the combined contraceptive pill, usually recommended until at least the natural age of menopause, to relieve symptoms and — importantly — to protect bone and heart health, which the loss of oestrogen would otherwise affect. Fertility is often reduced, and support and options (including egg or embryo donation for those wishing to have children) are discussed sensitively, as this can be a distressing aspect. Any underlying cause is investigated and managed, and associated conditions monitored. Emotional support is important, given the impact of an early menopause and fertility implications. Bone health, and general healthy-living measures, are supported. Care is often guided by a specialist.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Taking hormone treatment as advised (to protect bones and heart), weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone health, not smoking, and accessing emotional and fertility support all help women with POI.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about periods stopping or becoming irregular before age 40, especially with menopausal symptoms, for assessment. Early diagnosis allows treatment that protects long-term health and access to fertility support.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): frequently asked questions
What is premature ovarian insufficiency?
It is when the ovaries stop working normally before age 40, causing menopausal symptoms and affecting fertility. It is managed with hormone treatment to relieve symptoms and protect bone and heart health.
Can women with POI still have children?
Fertility is significantly reduced, though occasionally pregnancy occurs. Options such as egg or embryo donation are available for those wishing to have children, and are discussed with specialist support.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG23 — Menopause
- Daisy Network / NHS guidance
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.