The silent grief: psychosocial aspects of premature ovarian failure

Dani Singer, E Mann, Myra S. Hunter, Joan Pitkin, Nick Panay
In: Climacteric · 2011 · vol. 14(4) , pp. 428–437 · doi:10.3109/13697137.2011.571320 · PMID:21762006 · W2136191126
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This study investigated women's experiences with premature ovarian failure, finding that many felt inadequately informed, were concerned about fertility and bone health, and experienced negative impacts on self-esteem and sexual function.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Premature ovarian failure in women under 40 years is uncommon, but not rare (1-3%), with up to 2.5% of adolescents affected. This study aims to investigate women's experiences of diagnosis, perception of cause, treatment, main concerns, long-term consequences and impact on self-esteem, sexual functioning and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study, using a single-group design, including quantitative and qualitative measures. Two hundred and twenty questionnaires were sent to women recruited from the databases of two London specialist multidisciplinary clinics and from a national premature menopause self-help website. The questionnaire included the Rosenberg's Self Esteem Questionnaire, SF 36 Health Survey (quality of life), the Sexual Personal Experiences Questionnaire and the Young Menopause Assessment questionnaire, following a pilot to assess acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: The response rate was 62% in women aged 19-61 years. The majority of women felt that they had been offered inadequate information; 53% did not know the reason for their condition, 30% obtained a diagnosis within 6 months, and the diagnosis for 22% took up to 3 years. Fertility and bone health were main concerns, followed by emotional well-being. Libido and vaginal dryness were perceived as the main long-term effects by 79% of the women. The internet was the main source of information. The majority requested more information targeted to their age group and 49% requested psychological support, citing a negative impact on their self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined women's perceptions of premature ovarian failure, its impact and the services they received. The results can be used to inform service reconfiguration and improvement.

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