What happens differently in POF?
Currently, researchers are unable to pinpoint exactly what happens in POF to stop normal function of the ovaries in most cases. Remember that the FSH levels are high when the ovaries fail to produce enough estrogen. LH levels also stay high in many cases, even during the occasional times that follicles successfully grow. Mature follicles in the ovaries make estrogen, as well as other substances, including the protein inhibin. Because women with POF have low levels of estrogen, scientists are focusing their attention on the follicles in the ovary in their study of POF. Follicles in the ovaries start out as microscopic seeds, called primordial (pronounced prime-OR-dee-ul) follicles. These seeds are not yet follicles, but can grow into them. In general, a woman is born with about two million primordial follicles, which should be enough to last her until she goes through menopause. But this may not be the case for a woman with POF. Women with POF may fall into one of two groups. Follicle D
