Metabolic differences in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This leads to reduced estrogen production and irregular menstrual cycles, which may eventually result in infertility and early menopause-like symptoms. POI can occur due to various reasons, including genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, or unknown causes. Though often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, POI can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and fertility interventions, can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, restore fertility.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the metabolic differences in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in comparison to healthy controls. POI is a condition marked by the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to symptoms such as estrogen deficiency, infertility, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study assessed metabolic parameters such as waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), and insulin levels. By pooling data from observational studies, the researchers sought to understand how these metabolic changes are linked to the onset of POI and their potential role in the long-term health risks associated with the condition.
Who was studied?
The study reviewed 21 observational studies involving 1,573 women with POI and 1,762 healthy women as controls. The women with POI were diagnosed based on clinical criteria, including elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and absent menstruation. The control group consisted of women with normal ovarian function and regular menstrual cycles. The age of the participants ranged from early adulthood to middle age, with the studies sourced from various regions, including the Middle East, Europe, East Asia, and Latin America.
Most important findings
The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in several metabolic parameters between women with POI and the control group. Women with POI had higher waist circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and fasting glucose. Insulin levels were also marginally higher in the POI group, suggesting a potential link between POI and insulin resistance. However, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure measurements between the two groups. These findings suggest that metabolic abnormalities in POI may contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk associated with the condition.
Key implications
The findings of this study emphasize the need for early screening and ongoing management of metabolic health in women with POI. The increased risk of cardiovascular disease linked to metabolic abnormalities in POI underlines the importance of addressing factors such as lipid imbalances and insulin resistance in clinical practice. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may play a role in mitigating some of these metabolic disturbances, but further research is needed to determine the long-term benefits of such treatments on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This leads to reduced estrogen production and irregular menstrual cycles, which may eventually result in infertility and early menopause-like symptoms. POI can occur due to various reasons, including genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, or unknown causes. Though often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, POI can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and fertility interventions, can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, restore fertility.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.
Female Infertility
Female infertility is a multifactorial condition affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age, often caused by underlying conditions like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) offer a promising approach to restoring balance, improving fertility outcomes, and addressing root causes.