Researchers today reported important new developments in the understanding and dealing with premature ovarian failure. An international team from Australia, the UK and the US collaborated on a study of female twins who had reached menopause at different ages from each other. Using data from twin registries in Australia and the UK, the researchers found that twins had a markedly higher prevalence of premature ovarian failure than the general population. 15% of twins under age 45 were menopausal, and 5% of twins under age 40. This compared to only 5% and 1% respectively in the general population.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US explored the psychological dimensions of premature ovarian failure. Using a variety of psychological instruments, they found women with premature ovarian failure have lower self-esteem and social support than other women.

The same research team further explored the psychological aspects of premature ovarian failure, specifically the importance of spirituality as tool to protect patients well-being.
The investigators found a high degree of correlation between high scores for instruments measuring spiritual well-being and overall well-being.

?Premature ovarian failure is an important and often poorly understood condition. This research helps set the stage for better understanding and treatment,? said Joseph Sanfillipo, MD President ?Elect of the ASRM.