POI (Primary Ovarian Insufficiency)

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. It's a natural part of ageing that usually happens between 45 and 55 years old. POI or early or premature menopause is used when menopause comes well before the average age of normal menopause — when you’re still in your teens, 20s, 30s, or early 40s.

Early menopause is used to describe menopause before the age of 45 and POI when it occurs below the age of 40. Approximately one in every 100 women under the age of 40, one in 1,000 women under 30 and one in 10,000 under 20 experience POI.

The Daisy Network is a wonderful charity where you can get more information and support.