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Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Primary Care: A Scoping Review of Recognition, Diagnostic Delay and Interdisciplinary Care Pathways

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 3.5% of women with lifelong bone, cardiovascular, psychological and reproductive consequences. International guidance assigns primary care important roles in recognition, diagnosis and follow-up. This review mapped evidence across the POI care continuum. Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 4 October 2026. Two reviewers independently screened records and assessed full texts. Data were charted by one reviewer, verified by a second and synthesised across five domains. Results: Of 1327 records (806 after deduplication), 91 full texts were assessed and 53 sources included (31 empirical; 22 secondary/prescriptive). Primary-care guidance was common, but empirical evidence from primary care was limited. Diagnostic delay of months to years was reported, and in one survey more than half of women consulted three or more clinicians before diagnosis. In one physician survey, supported by a smaller pilot survey, primary care physicians initiated hormone therapy less often than specialists, and gaps in long-term follow-up persisted. No formally evaluated shared-care model was identified. Conclusions: Primary care is central to recommended POI care, but implementation remains poorly studied. Research should quantify real-world primary care performance and test structured interdisciplinary pathways.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14213795