Periods stop, estrogen is low and the follicle-stimulating hormone level is elevated.
Unfortunately, POF can not be treated medically since there are no drugs that can stimulate the ovaries, nor is there any explanation as to why POF happens. Loss of estrogen plays a part in the decrease in bone density that is common after menopause which can lead to osteoporosis and fractures. There is also an increase in heart disease, the risk of a heart attack is 2 to 7 times higher than by 'normal' women. There is a hormone replacement therapy to prevent menopausal symptoms. The most devastating part of the diagnosis of POF for me is the loss of fertility.