Stanford IVF - Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
(Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Failure)

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a condition in which a woman is running low on her egg supply or is completely out of eggs before the age of 40. Because approximately 1% of women will transition to menopause by age 40, most people do not include women who are having an menopause at age 40 or beyond in the definition of POI. POI associated with lack of menstrual cycles has been more commonly called Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). However, many experts now believe that POI is a more accurate term because in many cases the ovary has not completely “failed” and instead may still function to produce hormones or release eggs. Some people also refer to POI as Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) if low egg supply is associated with infertility. However, it is important to point out that low egg supply occurring prematurely may have significant implications beyond fertility.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Program At Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center - Led by Dr. Valerie L. Baker

Stanford has developed a multi-disciplinary program for women with POI.

Fertility - We offer a full range of services related to address fertility concerns. All of the physicians within our group (Drs. Baker, Lathi, Milki, and Westphal) have a great deal of experience treating women for fertility concerns related to POI. Our philosophy is to explain the chances of pregnancy with various options of treatment in order to allow you to make the best choice for your particular situation. We do not have “cut-offs” based on blood level of FSH or antral follicle count for women who wish to try treatment with their own eggs. We also have a well-established program for oocyte donation.

General Health Concerns - Some women with POI may benefit from consultation with specialists who are part of the multi-disciplinary group who all have experience and commitment to caring for women with POI. Members of our group are also working to improve the quality of health for women with POI by participating in research efforts.

Most women will enter the program by scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Baker. To schedule an appointment, please call our New Patient Coordinators at (650) 498-7911 option 1 or email us.

Osteoporosis Specialists

Marina Basina
David Karpf
Christy Dosiou

The members of this multi-disciplinary team (in alphabetical order) are:

Valerie L. Baker, MD
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Christy Dosiou, MD
Medical Endocrinologist with expertise in the treatment of women with thyroid disorders
Louanne Hudgins, MD
Medical Geneticist
Leah Sharon Millheiser, MD
Gynecologist with expertise in the treatment of sexual dysfunction
Katherine E. Williams, MD
Mental health specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

For further information, see this web page Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Frequently Asked Questions.

Current Ongoing Research

The goal of the current research at Stanford is improving the health and quality of life for women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Some of our studies are retrospective (looking back at past experience). In some cases, there are ongoing prospective studies in which you could decide to participate. There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to participate in research if you decide to become a patient at Stanford. The primary mission of the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center is to provide outstanding clinical care. If you should wish to participate in research efforts, please discuss this with your physician or our research coordinator.

See our ongoing projects /research relevant for POI.

Please visit these websites for more information related to POI