Premature Ovarian Failure:  Anita and Paul

With careers in place, the big OE behind them and a house almost freehold, Anita and Paul decided it was time to fulfill their next goal of starting a family. While planning their wedding, Anita was referred to a gynaecologist for medication to “kick start” her menstrual cycle so they could try for a baby. Nothing prepared her for what she was about to be told.

At age 29, Anita had premature ovarian failure. Still in shock, she was bundled up with reading material about menopause and given an appointment with a fertility specialist that same day. For Anita and Paul, the only option - apart from adoption - was in-vitro fertilisation with a donor egg.

“I felt like I had a young spirit inside an old body. Invisible cancer of the soul. I felt cheated”, says Anita. No longer in control of her life, Anita says the worst part was realising she would never be able to reproduce “herself and Paul”. Having no sisters meant that Anita and Paul would need to find donor eggs from someone else. They put their names on the waiting list without telling friends or family, and let the wait begin.

Anita and Paul were fortunate that a donor came forward within a few months. Anita became pregnant after the first IVF cycle, but bleeding at 6 weeks and again at 8 weeks made the pregnancy extremely stressful. At 36 weeks, Anita gave birth to two little boys, Joshua and Cameron, who are now almost four years old.

Anita is taking part in a study to detect early menopause. As a result of this study, a genetic test may be developed in the future for women at risk of premature ovarian failure. This would enable women to make informed decisions about when to have their families – and to avoid the heartache and shock that Anita went through.

To read about Predicting Premature Menopause, click here