Premature ovarian failure: not the same as the ‘normal’ menopause

Abstract Premature ovarian failure, defined as loss of ovarian function before the age of 45, affects 1 in 20 women. Whilst the cause is often unknown, this case describes the investigation and clinical management of premature ovarian failure in a 29-year-old woman, caused by an FMR1 premutation. It emphasizes the physiological and psychological differences in managing women with premature ovarian failure when compared to the ‘normal’ menopause, and the vital importance of oestrogen replacement therapy.