Ovarian failure as a complication of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids raises concerns about this novel treatment modality. It means the ovaries stop working correctly as they don`t produce typical amounts of estrogen or release eggs regularly. This condition, also known as premature ovarian failure, often leads to infertility.
Primary ovarian failure is sometimes confused with premature menopause, but these conditions differ. Women with primary ovarian failure may have irregular or occasional periods for many years and may become pregnant. However, women with early menopause stop menstruating and cannot conceive.
Furthermore, restoring estrogen levels in women with primary ovarian failure can help prevent some of the complications that result from low estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis.
What Is Uterine Embolization?
Uterine artery embolization is a non-invasive surgery to treat fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumours/cells that develop in the uterus. During the procedure, the fibroids are cut off and block the blood supply. It causes the fibroids to shrink. One of the significant side effects of Uterine Artery Embolization is ovarian failure. Here are a few symptoms that lead to infertility.
Risks associated with procedures are uterine infarction and ovarian failure. Ischemia of the uterus during uterine embolization will prevent the embryo(fetus) to attach with uterus. However, the effect of Uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve remains controversial. A randomized comparison of AMH levels measured after treatment for fibroids showed a reduction in AMH levels (a measure of ovarian reserve) compared with surgical myomectomy. At the sametime women over 45 are at increased risk of permanent ovarian failure because their ovarian reserve has diminished.
Symptoms Of Ovarian Failure
The signs and symptoms of primary ovarian failure are the same as those of menopause or estrogen deficiency. They include:
- Irregular or missed periods,
- Difficulty getting pregnant,
- Hot flashes,
- Night sweat,
- Vaginal dryness,
- Dry eyes,
- Restlessness or difficulty concentrating.
- Decreased libido,
When should you go to the doctor?
If you last had your period three months ago or more, talk to our doctor to determine the cause. You can miss your period for several reasons, including pregnancy, stress, or changes in your diet or exercise habits, but it`s best to check in every time your period changes.
Even if you don`t mind not having your periods, it`s a great idea to talk to our doctor to find the reason for the change. However, low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of heart disease.
Risks of ovarian failure
Here are the few factors that increase the risk of primary ovarian insufficiency include:
Age: The risk of ovarian failure increases between 35 and 40. Although rare before age 35, primary ovarian failure can occur in young women and adolescents.
Family history: A family history of primary ovarian failure increases the risk of developing this disease.
Ovarian surgery: Surgery involving the ovaries increases the risk of primary ovarian failure.
Complications of primary ovarian failure include:
In addition, complications in ovarian failure may include:
Infertility: The Inability to conceive can be a complication of primary ovarian failure. In rare cases, pregnancy is not possible until eggs are depleted.
Osteoporosis: Estrogen helps maintain strong bones. Conversely, women with low estrogen levels are more likely to have weak bones (osteoporosis), which are more likely to break than healthy bones.
Depression or anxiety: The risk of infertility and other complications from low estrogen levels provokes some women to become depressed or anxious.
Heart disease: Losing estrogen early may increase your risk of heart disease.
What should you do after ovarian failure?
There is no complete treatment for primary ovarian failure. It usually focuses on problems that are caused by estrogen deficiency. Our doctor may recommend the following:
Estrogen therapy
It helps to prevent osteoporosis and relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Our doctor may prescribe estrogen and progesterone, especially if you still have a uterus. Adding progesterone protects the lining of the womb (the lining of the uterus) from precancerous changes resulting from taking estrogen alone.
The combination of hormones may cause your periods to return, but not ovarian function.
However, for young women with primary ovarian failure, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the possible risks.
Plus, Calcium and vitamin D supplements are essential for preventing osteoporosis, and you may need more from your diet or sun exposure. Our doctor may recommend a bone density test before taking supplements to get a baseline measurement.
Our doctor may recommend higher doses if you have low vitamin D levels in your blood.
Treat infertility
There are no proven treatments to restore fertility. Therefore, some women and their partners seek to conceive through in vitro fertilization using donor eggs. The procedure involves extracting eggs from a donor and fertilizing them with sperm. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then placed in the uterus.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies.
Knowing that you have ovarian failure can be emotionally challenging. But with proper treatment and self-care, you can live a healthy life.
Learn about alternatives to having a baby. If you want to add to your family, talk to our doctor about options such as using donor eggs for IVF or adoption.
Discuss the best birth control options with our doctor and specialist. A few women with primary ovarian failure will become pregnant naturally although rare. If you don`t want to get pregnant, consider using birth control.
Keep your bones strong. Eat more calcium-rich foods, do more weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and upper body strength training, and don`t smoke. Ask our doctor if you need calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Track your menstrual cycle. You should have a pregnancy test if you miss your period while receiving menstruating hormone therapy.
Final Thoughts
Uterine artery embolization can accelerate ovarian failure. The procedure should be limited to women who have already completed their family. Patients should be fully informed of the potential risk of ovarian failure. If you still have any concerns about your health. Our expert gynecologist and professional will give the best treatment for your health problems.