Causes and Treatments for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency with podcast guest

Dr. Mandy Leonhardt is a fully qualified and GMC-registered GP. She is particularly interested in women’s health, nutrition, and healthy aging, and her ongoing professional development reflects this passion. She offers a private clinic specializing in the holistic assessment and individualized treatment of hormonal imbalances at every stage of a woman’s life: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Perimenopause, and Menopause. She aims to give women the best evidence-based, personally tailored advice about treatment options for hormonal imbalances and healthy aging.

In this episode, Dr. Mandy and I dive into a condition called premature ovarian insufficiency, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure. Dr. Mandy sheds light on what POI is, why it’s so underdiagnosed, the causes of this condition, why POI is hard to treat, and so much more!

Episode Highlights

Understanding primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and its effects

The two key roles our ovaries play in our body

Recognizing that your period is a vital sign

Reasons why some young girls never get their period

The overlap between autoimmune conditions and POI

The lack of research on women’s health and the normalizing of period issues

The use of birth control pills as a bandaid solution

The stigma of hormone replacement therapy

How hysterectomy can contribute to premature ovarian insufficiency

Tuning into what your menstrual cycle might be telling you

Common symptoms associated with POI

Estrogen’s role in bone density, cardiovascular health, and more

How POI is diagnosed

Treatment options and the importance of the lifestyle aspect of managing POI

Why a personalized approach with close monitoring is crucial

How to improve sleep quality and gut and mental health to alleviate symptoms of POI

Why POI is not the same as early menopause and whether it can be improved

Dr. Mandy’s thoughts on experimental treatments for ovarian rejuvenation

Resources that can support you

Fix Your Period

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from this episode — and how Fix Your Period can help.

What happens to your hormones when you stop the pill?

When you stop hormonal birth control, your body needs time to reactivate its own hormonal feedback loop. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and some women experience a 'post-pill syndrome' involving acne, hair loss, irregular cycles, or mood changes as their natural hormones reassert themselves.

What nutrients does hormonal birth control deplete?

Hormonal birth control is associated with depletion of B vitamins (particularly B6, B12, and folate), zinc, magnesium, selenium, and CoQ10. Replenishing these after stopping the pill is an important part of hormonal recovery.

How long does it take for cycles to return after stopping the pill?

Most women see their cycle return within 1–3 months of stopping hormonal contraception. However, some women — particularly those with underlying hormonal imbalances like PMOS (formerly PCOS) or low progesterone — may experience a longer recovery period.

Is there an app to help women coming off birth control?

Yes. Fix Your Period's free Hormone Health Assessment gives you a personalized picture of your current hormonal health. Fix Your Period Premium unlocks Nicole's Birth Control Pill Support protocol, Period Pillars education on what to expect, and NicoleNow for ongoing guidance.

Can I use Fix Your Period while still on hormonal birth control?

Yes. The cycle tracking and assessment features are available at any stage. Fix Your Period Premium — including the Period Pillars and protocols — is valuable whether you're still on contraception or planning to stop.

Causes and Treatments for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Episode Highlights

Watch on YouTube

Resources Mentioned

How Fix Your Period Supports Women Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control

Frequently Asked Questions