What is POI?

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) — sometimes called premature ovarian failure or early menopause — is a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning as expected before the age of 40. Unlike natural menopause, POI doesn’t always mean a complete and permanent loss of ovarian function. Many women with POI still have intermittent ovarian activity, and the condition presents differently from person to person.

POI affects approximately 1 in 100 women under 40, yet it is frequently misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and inadequately supported — particularly when it comes to the emotional, hormonal, and long-term health implications of the diagnosis.

Symptoms of POI may include:

•       Irregular or absent periods

•       Hot flashes and night sweats

•       Difficulty conceiving

•       Vaginal dryness

•       Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

•       Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

•       Low libido

•       Fatigue

My Approach to POI

POI is deeply personal to me — I was diagnosed with it myself. I know how disorienting it can feel to receive this diagnosis, and how much is left unanswered when you walk out of a conventional appointment.

My approach to POI support is comprehensive and grounded in thorough diagnostic work. We start with detailed lab testing to fully understand your current hormonal picture, assess bone health markers, metabolic function, and identify any other contributing factors. From there, we build a plan together — one that is realistic, individualized, and designed to honour the full complexity of your situation.

For some patients, fertility is a central concern. For others, the priority is symptom management, protecting long-term bone and cardiovascular health, or simply understanding what this diagnosis means for their body. Wherever you are, that’s where we start.

Treatment may include:

• Comprehensive hormonal and metabolic lab panels to establish a complete baseline and guide treatment

• Bioidentical hormone therapy (HRT/BHRT) — an important tool for symptom management and protecting long-term bone and cardiovascular health, where appropriate

• Evidence-based supplementation to support hormonal health, bone density, and overall wellbeing

• Dietary and lifestyle strategies tailored to your specific needs and health goals

• Collaborative care alongside your fertility specialist, gynaecologist, or endocrinologist

Whether you were diagnosed recently or have been living with POI for years without adequate support, I’m here to help you build a clear, evidence-based path forward.