Predicting Premature Ovarian Failure

Andrew Shelling

Premature menopause or premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as menopause occurring in women under the age of 40.  POF is a common disorder, and occurs in about 1 – 2% of women, in some as early as their teens or twenties.  This devastating condition can mean a lifetime of infertility for many women, if they have not already had children. While the cause of most cases of POF is unknown, there are a number of families with a predisposition to POF, which suggests that there is an inherited defective gene.  Dr Andrew Shelling is leading the research to identify the molecular defects in these families that has led to the development of premature menopause.

Dr Shelling previously found mutations in two genes in women with POF – in the inhibin alpha gene and the FOXL2 gene.  Other genes are now under investigation to determine their role in the development of Premature Ovarian Failure.

Understanding the molecular basis of POF means a genetic test can be developed for family members at risk of POF.  This will enable women to make informed decisions about when to have children.  Eventually fertility may be returned to some women by replacing the defective molecule.

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