Emerging treatments
Gabapentin
One systematic review has shown that a modest reduction in hot-flash frequency and severity can be achieved with gabapentin, although side effects may prevent widespread use.[61] It may be useful for women for whom other treatments have been ineffective, or when estrogen replacement is contraindicated.
Corticosteroids
There is some anecdotal evidence that corticosteroid therapy with prednisone can cause a remission of autoimmune POF. However, long-term, high-dose corticosteroids are associated with significant adverse effects, and patients should not receive these treatments based on anecdotal evidence. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine whether ovulation can be restored in patients with autoimmune oophoritis and POF. ClinicalTrials.gov Opens in new window
Physiological sex steroid regimens
Currently, nonphysiological sex steroid regimens are used to treat POF; however, these regimens are inadequate at optimizing uterine characteristics. Clinical trials are currently in progress to assess whether physiological sex steroid regimens (e.g., 4-week cycles of transdermal estradiol and vaginal progesterone) are more beneficial. One study found that physiological regimens have a greater beneficial effect on endometrial thickness and uterine volume in women with POF, compared with standard therapies; however, further studies are required.[62]
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