premature ovarian failure

(PREE-muh-CHOOR oh-VAYR-ee-un FAYL-yer) A condition in which the ovaries stop working before age 40. Symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and infertility. Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can cause premature ovarian failure . This may be temporary or permanent and may be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Also called early menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency.