Patient Note: Understanding Your Laboratory Results
Your lab results show that your ovaries have stopped working earlier than expected—a condition called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)—and we will start you on estrogen replacement therapy with a skin patch along with regular bone density monitoring.
What Your Lab Results Mean
Your hormone levels tell us the following story about your ovarian function:
Elevated FSH and LH: These two hormones are produced by your pituitary gland to stimulate your ovaries. When they are both high, it means your brain is working overtime trying to get your ovaries to respond, but your ovaries are no longer able to 1.
Low estradiol: This is the main estrogen hormone your ovaries normally produce. Low levels confirm that your ovaries are not producing enough estrogen 1.
Low AMH: This hormone reflects the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. Very low AMH (below 0.7 ng/mL) indicates severely diminished ovarian reserve or ovarian failure 2.
Together, these results confirm premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)—defined as ovarian failure occurring before age 40, with absent periods for at least 4 months and two elevated FSH measurements in the menopausal range 1.
Why This Matters for Your Health
Without adequate estrogen, you face increased risks for:
- Bone loss (osteoporosis): Estrogen is essential for maintaining bone strength 1.
- Heart disease: Estrogen helps protect your cardiovascular system 1.
- Urogenital changes: Low estrogen affects vaginal and urinary tract health 1.
- Quality of life: Including sexual function and overall well-being 1.
Your Treatment Plan
We will start you on transdermal 17β-estradiol (estrogen skin patch) because:
Transdermal estrogen is preferred over oral estrogen for hormone replacement in POI, as it provides more physiologic hormone delivery and may have better effects on bone health, cardiovascular health, and overall development 1.
This is long-term therapy: You will need estrogen replacement at least until the natural age of menopause (around age 50) to protect your bones, heart, and quality of life 1.
Bone density monitoring: We will check your bone density regularly to ensure the estrogen therapy is adequately protecting your bones 1.
Important Points
This is hormone replacement, not birth control: While fertility is significantly reduced with POI, spontaneous pregnancy can still rarely occur 3. If pregnancy is not desired, additional contraception should be discussed.
Specialist follow-up: You should be followed by gynecology and/or endocrinology for ongoing management of your POI 1.
This treatment is medically necessary: Estrogen replacement in POI is not optional—it is essential to prevent serious health complications from prolonged estrogen deficiency 1.