At My 28 Days, we believe women with POI need accurate, credible information so they can take a proactive, preventive approach to menstrual health. It’s important to note the goal of preventive medicine is the absence of disease — either by preventing the occurrence of a disease or by halting it at its onset and thereby reducing complications. As part of this proactive approach — and more so because POI is a rare and often misunderstood condition — we recommend women with POI symptoms both educate and advocate for themselves and share the evidence-based research we present here with their practitioners. Because research has demonstrated POI is associated with a shorter life expectancy if not managed appropriately (a result of the long-term effects of estradiol deficiency), it’s important to seek the necessary care with some urgency.
All things considered, fertility specialists are generally not adept at a preventative medicine approach, as this is not the focus of their training and experience. Most medical schools, however, have a department of family and preventive medicine, which is a good place for women with POI to find a qualified clinician. At My 28 Days, it’s our goal to make resources regarding POI more available to women so they can better understand their treatment options. Still, women need to be prepared to educate the clinician about their needs and about the disorder in general. Preventive medicine clinicians are generally very open to learning about new evidence in their field. Our resources section may help offer some guidance as you explain your concerns with your clinician.