Premature ovarian insufficiency diagnosis and management in general practice: A review based on the 2024 international guideline.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), defined as the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years, affects approximately 4% of women. POI may occur spontaneously or secondary to medical treatments. POI has significant implications for fertility, psychological wellbeing, and cardiometabolic, cognitive and bone health. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this article is to provide general practitioners (GPs) with a concise, evidence-based summary of the 2024 international POI guideline, focusing on diagnosis and management relevant to primary care. DISCUSSION(S): GPs play a pivotal part in early recognition and long-term care of women with POI. This review outlines key diagnostic criteria, initial investigations, referral pathways and management options including hormone therapy, chronic disease risk reduction, fertility counselling and psychosocial support. Emphasis is placed on a multidisciplinary patient-centred approach to optimise outcomes and quality of life.