Inspiring Testimony at Australian Parliamentary Inquiry
A young Australian woman and her mother recently spoke out at a parliamentary inquiry focused on menopause and perimenopause. Together, they shared the young woman’s journey with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), a rare condition that affects around 1% of women aged 15-44. Diagnosed at just 19, her life has been profoundly impacted by this condition.
What is POI?
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. (For more a more in-depth look at POI, please check out our resource here.) This leads to symptoms similar to early menopause, such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and infertility. Unlike menopause, in POI, ovaries may function intermittently, complicating the diagnosis and potential treatments.
The young woman’s late diagnosis received only a year ago, caused significant emotional distress, particularly as it directly affected her ability to conceive. With only about 5% of women with POI able to conceive using their own eggs, early detection is crucial for those considering IVF.
Challenges and Advocacy
The young woman’s case highlights the critical need for increased awareness and timely diagnosis of POI among healthcare professionals. Despite numerous visits to her General Practitioner, and extensive symptoms that matched early menopause, the woman was misdiagnosed for years. This delayed access to physiologic hormone replacement therapy (P-HRT) and other supportive measures.
Her mother expressed her frustration with the medical oversight, emphasizing the importance of physicians recognizing the signs of POI. Late diagnoses not only rob women of earlier treatment options, but also leave them facing emotional and physical challenges.
Hope and Support
While the journey with POI can be daunting, there is hope. Another woman, diagnosed with POI at 15, took a path to motherhood through IVF using donor eggs. Her experience offers a message of resilience and positivity, showing that while the road is hard, support networks and appropriate interventions can help navigate the emotional landscape of fertility challenges.
Looking Forward
As the Australian Senate Community Affairs References Committee releases its report on menopause and perimenopause, we hope for greater awareness and resources for women facing POI. Together, we can foster a supportive community that embraces sharing experiences and knowledge. For those women facing similar challenges, know that you are not alone, and support is available. Stay informed, stay hopeful, and reach out to one another.
Take care and be well,
Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, MD, MBA
Director, My 28 Days® Initiative
President, Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation, Inc.
