International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF), also termed premature ovarian insufficiency, is characterized by the cessation of ovarian activity before the age of 40 years. Beyond infertility and hormonal symptoms, POF is associated with adverse metabolic changes and increased cardiovascular risk. Dyslipidemia is a central mechanism through which estrogen deficiency contributes to vascular disease.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate alterations in lipid profiles among women with POF compared to healthy age-matched controls.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and July 2025 at Maternity and Children’s Teaching Hospital. Seventy-five women aged 30-40 years were enrolled, including 35 with confirmed POF and 40 healthy controls. Diagnosis of POF was based on amenorrhea lasting more than four months and elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone (> 25 IU/L on two occasions). Sociodemographic and clinical data, including body mass index (BMI) and smoking status, were recorded. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCH), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) using enzymatic colorimetric assays.
Results: The POF group reported significantly higher smoking exposure compared with controls (P=0.021). Lipid analysis revealed significantly higher TCH (4.55±0.58 vs 3.71±0.75 mmol/L; P=0.0001) and LDL-C (2.31±0.69 vs 1.95±0.61 mmol/L; P=0.02) among POF women. Conversely, TG levels were lower in POF patients (1.15±0.22 vs 1.73±0.79 mmol/L; P=0.0001). No significant difference was observed in HDL-C levels (P=0.5).
Conclusion: Women with POF demonstrate significant dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated atherogenic lipids, which may predispose them to premature cardiovascular disease. Smoking emerged as a notable risk factor. Early screening, lifestyle modification, and tailored hormone therapy should be prioritized to mitigate long-term cardiometabolic consequences.