Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapy of Ovarian Disorders and Infertility

Dear Colleagues,

Diseases of the ovary which most frequently cause infertility are: chronic anovulation syndromes, within which polycystic ovary syndrome plays a major role, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this special issue, we will provide the readers with an update of this broad cluster of disorders that negatively affect women’s ability to accomplish a pregnancy with an intentional focus on POI. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure (POF), is defined as hypergonadotropic ovarian failure occurring prior to 40 years of age. It is surprisingly common and affects approximately 1% of women below 40 years of age. The incidence is 10% to 28% in women with primary amenorrhea and 4% to 18% in women with secondary amenorrhea. Affected women often face this devastating disease suddenly and start to endure a diagnosis of irreversible infertility at a young age. Many learn to live with great uncertainty about their ability to create a family—a core identity issue for many women from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of patients with POI/POF are considered to have idiopathic premature ovarian failure because usually no cause can be identified. Recent advances in understanding the etiology of POI/POF are encouraging. Clearly, the more we learn about the molecular events of early ovarian folliculogenesis, follicular atresia, ovarian stem cell biology and egg maturation, the more we can envision innovative therapeutics for POI/POF patients. Along these lines, early attempts at gene and stem cell therapy for POI/POF in preclinical models and in patients also show some promise.  In this Special Issue, we want to present the most current and cutting edge information on the etiology, pathogenesis and therapy of POI/POF. We anticipate that this Special Issue will therefore be an excellent contribution to the field and will constitute an up-to-date modern practical reference for OB/GYNs, reproductive medicine specialists, primary care practitioners and any clinician, nurse or health care worker caring for women living with POI/POF.

Prof. Ayman Al-Hendy
Guest Editor

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• Premature ovarian insufficiency
• Premature ovarian failure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Chronic anovulation
• Genetics, diagnosis
• Ovarian function
• IVF
• Egg donation
• Gene therapy
• Stem cell therapy
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Patient perspective