Emotional Impacts of Premature Ovarian Failure in Kuwait

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is cessation of ovarian functions before the age of 40 years with consequent cessation of menstruation. The objective of study was therefore to evaluate the emotional reaction and self-efficacy of women with POF. Forty-two women confirmed to have Premature Ovarian Failure seen at the outpatient clinic of Maternity Hospital fulfilled the study criteria, were enrolled into the study. Another group of 42 healthy women formed the control group. The instrument of data collection included three types of questionnaires to assess the depth of emotional reaction to the diagnosis of POF including the subjects’ biodata, modified Health Orientation Scale (HOS) and Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. The women with POF presented at the clinic with infertility (P < 0.01), amenorrhea (P < 0.01) and hot flashes (P < 0.05). The diagnosis of ovarian insufficiency was a traumatic life event similar to bereavement (grieving of no obvious loss to others), with high level of anxiety, depression, fear of divorce, lower life satisfaction and impaired self-esteem. Fertility was generally of profound concern to all of them, because fertility was a societal landmark of womanhood and youth. The Stanford Chronic Self Efficacy scores were generally low (below 7) in coping with emotion reaction to loss of fertility, loss of menstruation, loss of self-esteem and other significant emotional reactions. The present study has demonstrated that Premature Ovarian Failure is associated with severe emotional distress and impaired ability to cope with them especially low self-esteem. A multidisciplinary management team is advocated for POF.