Premature ovarian failure (POF), or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition that occurs when a person’s ovaries stop producing eggs regularly before they reach the age of 40.

This can make it difficult for someone to become pregnant.

Common symptoms of POI include:

  • Night sweats
  • Hot flashes
  • Trouble becoming pregnant
  • Painful sex due to thinning of the vaginal lining
  • A decrease in sex drive
  • Irregular periods
  • No periods (amenorrhea)
  • Irritability
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Few or no signs of puberty as a teenager