The global prevalence of primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause: a meta-analysis

<b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to estimate the global prevalence of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM). <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature search was performed in several databases to retrieve relevant English articles published between 1980 and 2017. To assess the methodological quality of the studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used. The heterogeneity of results across the studies was assessed using Cochran's <i>Q</i> test and quantified by the <i>I</i>² statistic. Prevalence estimates of all studies were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model at a confidence level of 95%. <b>Results:</b> A total of 8937 potentially relevant articles were identified from the initial searches. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of POI and EM was calculated as 3.7% (95% confidence interval: 3.1, 4.3) and 12.2% (95% confidence interval: 10.5, 14), respectively. The prevalence of POI was higher in medium and low Human Development Index countries. The prevalence trend did not change over time. <b>Conclusion:</b> The prevalence of POI and EM in women is considerable. The results of this study could contribute to consciousness-raising of health policy-makers toward the necessity of prioritizing, planning, and allocating health resources as preventive and treatment interventions for these women.