Premature ovarian failure.

Twelve cases of premature ovarian failure (POF) are described. The clinical, hormonal, histopathologic and cytogenetic studies of each patient have been presented. The scope and the limitations of laparoscopic ovarian biopsy are discussed, as is the importance of radioimmunoassay of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (FSH/LH) in comparison to ovarian biopsy for the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. A plea is made for the early diagnosis of POF so that these young women can be spared the expensive and time-consuming treatment for the associated problem of infertility.