What causes decreased ovarian function?

Decreased ovarian function may be caused by genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, iatrogenic injuries, infectious factors, and poor lifestyle. Decreased ovarian function usually manifests as menstrual disorders, hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, infertility and other symptoms.

1. Genetic factors

Some women have chromosomal abnormalities or genetic defects that may lead to premature ovarian failure. For example, in patients with Turner syndrome, the number of follicles will be depleted prematurely due to the deletion of the X chromosome. Such patients need hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include estradiol valerate tablets, progesterone capsules, conjugated estrogen tablets, etc. They also need to regularly monitor bone density and cardiovascular health.

2. Autoimmune diseases

Conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus may attack ovarian tissue. The immune system misidentifies ovarian cells as foreign material, causing follicles to be destroyed. Treatment needs to control the primary disease. Immunomodulatory drugs such as prednisone tablets and leflunomide tablets can be used as directed by the doctor, together with estradiol gel for local hormone supplementation.

3. Iatrogenic injury

Pelvic radiation therapy, ovarian surgery, or chemotherapy drugs may directly damage ovarian tissue. Alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide irreversibly destroy follicles. You can consider freezing eggs before receiving this type of treatment, using clomiphene citrate capsules to promote ovulation after surgery, or performing artificial cycle treatment through a combination of estradiol and dydrogesterone tablets.

4. Infectious factors

Pathogens such as mumps virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis may cause oophoritis and lead to follicular atresia. Such patients need anti-infective treatment first, such as acyclovir tablets for anti-virus or rifampicin capsules for anti-tuberculosis. Later, Kuntai capsules can be used to improve ovarian microcirculation. If necessary, gonadotropin injections can be used to promote the development of residual follicles.

5. Bad lifestyle

Long-term smoking will accelerate follicle apoptosis, and excessive dieting leading to malnutrition will affect follicle development. It is recommended to maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 23.9, consume sufficient high-quality protein such as fish, meat and beans every day, supplement vitamin E soft capsules and coenzyme Q10 capsules to protect the function of follicle mitochondria, and avoid staying up late and other endocrine-disrupting behaviors.

It is necessary to maintain moderate exercise such as yoga or swimming on a daily basis. 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times a week can help improve pelvic blood circulation. Pay attention to increasing soy products, deep-sea fish, nuts and other foods rich in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Avoid exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A, and use ceramic or glass containers instead of plastic ones. It is recommended to review six sex hormones and AMH levels every six months. Women under 40 years old should seek medical attention promptly to evaluate their ovarian reserve function when their menstrual cycle shortens to less than 25 days.