Women experiencing persistent irregular or missed menstrual cycles before the age of 40 should seek timely medical evaluation, as these changes could indicate Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), a condition that affects ovarian function much earlier than natural menopause, according to fertility specialist Dr. Kalpana Jain of Birla Fertility & IVF, Guwahati.
Dr. Jain said irregular periods in women in their 20s or 30s are often attributed to stress, weight fluctuations, thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances. However, when menstrual cycles become infrequent, remain irregular or stop for several months, they may point to POI. Unlike natural menopause, ovarian function does not always cease completely, and some women may continue to ovulate occasionally, making diagnosis more challenging.
Common symptoms include irregular or missed periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and difficulty conceiving. While genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, certain medical treatments and ovarian surgery can contribute to the condition, no definite cause is identified in many cases. Early diagnosis allows women to assess ovarian function, receive appropriate counselling and plan their reproductive future based on individual circumstances.
In Guwahati, fertility clinics and women’s healthcare providers in the city are witnessing growing awareness of reproductive health issues, with more women seeking specialist consultations at an earlier stage. Medical experts believe increased awareness campaigns and timely screening could improve early detection of conditions such as premature ovarian insufficiency, enabling better treatment planning while supporting the expanding demand for advanced fertility and women’s health services in the region.
Doctors also noted that POI can affect bone health, cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing due to declining oestrogen levels, underscoring the need for long-term medical follow-up and personalised treatment based on each patient’s clinical profile.