Ovarian Failure & Symptoms

Ovarian failure is a condition in which a woman's ovaries prematurely cease to function as they should. Without this "normal" function, a woman's eggs will essentially stop being produced. Along with this lack of eggs, a woman will usually begin to experience a change in her hormonal level which can prompt a number of symptoms that are often confused with menopause, though the woman is usually under 40 years of age.

Irregular Menstruation

• One of the most common and troubling symptoms of ovarian failure is an irregularity to a woman's menstrual cycle.

Hot Flashes

• Failure of the ovaries often means a change in hormones, causing hot flashes--waves of warmth hitting the body sporadically.

Irritability

• Many women who experience ovarian failure also notice an increase in irritability. This is also due to the change in hormones.

Change in Libido

• Ovarian failure may also lead to a decrease, sometimes to a very large degree, in a woman's libido.

Dryness

• Vaginal dryness is a common side effect noted by those who have suffered from ovarian failure.

Night Sweats

• Night sweats are a symptom of hot flashes, and any woman suffering from these may experience this offshoot.