Should women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) take supplements?
Hello, My28Days community,
We recently received a question about supplements for women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Women with POI face increased risks of osteoporosis and heart disease due to a deficiency in estradiol. Pregnancy in these women also carries a higher risk of congenital disabilities related to folic acid deficiency. To manage these risks, women with POI should consider the following:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Progestogen Balance: Estradiol replacement should be balanced with a progestogen, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate, to ensure hormonal balance and prevent complications.
- Physiologic Hormone Replacement Therapy (P-HRT): This therapy aims to provide estradiol in a way that mimics natural ovarian function.
Bone Health
- Calcium Intake: Adequate calcium intake is crucial. Ideally, this should come from dietary sources. If dietary intake is insufficient, a calcium supplement is recommended.
- Vitamin D: To maintain healthy bones, most women need to supplement with 800 IU of Vitamin D3 per day.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is particularly important for women with POI who are trying to conceive.
- Supplementation: Women attempting to become pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This can come from supplements, fortified foods, or both, in addition to the folate obtained from a healthy diet. Folic acid is vital for preventing neural tube defects and other congenital disabilities. This supplementation is essential for women with POI, who may become pregnant unexpectedly, to ensure they have adequate folic acid levels during the early stages of pregnancy.
By following these guidelines, women with POI can better manage their health risks and improve their overall well-being. Click here for more detailed information on P-HRT.
In health,
Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, MD, MBA
Director, My 28 Days® Initiative
President, Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation, Inc.
