Factors influencing premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) has multiple contributing factors. This study aims to systematically evaluate these factors and their mechanisms, identify high-risk groups, support early intervention, and provide a basis for future research. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across 11 Chinese and English databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to January 2024. Observational studies on patients with ovarian insufficiency were included. A meta-analysis using Stata 14 was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors influencing POI. A total of 38 studies with 4,968 cases and 5,158 controls were included. The following factors were identified as risk factors for POI: abnormal menstruation (OR = 2.707, 95% CI: 1.705–4.299), hair dyeing (OR = 4.725, 95% CI: 2.914–7.660), chemical exposure (OR = 3.314, 95% CI: 2.283–4.811), Type A personality (OR = 6.106, 95% CI: 4.696–7.939), survival stress (OR = 3.292, 95% CI: 2.380–4.555), sleep deprivation (OR = 3.340, 95% CI: 2.363–4.721), bad mood (OR = 4.654, 95% CI: 2.783–7.781), smoking history (OR = 2.748, 95% CI: 1.928–3.917), family history of POI (OR = 4.338, 95% CI: 2.422–7.768), history of mumps (OR = 5.802, 95% CI: 3.460–9.730), number of abortions (OR = 2.292, 95% CI: 1.887–2.785), and history of pelvic surgery (OR = 4.836, 95% CI: 3.066–7.628). Physical exercise (OR = 0.270, 95% CI: 0.106–0.692) and vegetable intake (OR = 0.434, 95% CI: 0.337–0.560) were protective factors. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests confirmed robustness. POI is related with abnormal menstruation, hair dyeing, chemical exposure, Type A personality, survival stress, sleep deprivation, bad mood, smoking history, family history of POI, history of mumps, number of abortions, and history of pelvic surgery. Physical exercise and vegetable intake may provide protection. These findings inform clinical strategies for early identification and management. This study identified several factors that significantly increase the risk of developing premature ovarian insufficiency, including abnormal menstruation, hair dyeing, chemical exposure, Type A personality, survival stress, sleep deprivation, bad mood, smoking history, family history of premature ovarian insufficiency, history of mumps, number of abortions, and history of pelvic surgery. Conversely, physical exercise and vegetable intake were found to offer protective benefits against premature ovarian insufficiency. The findings underscore the importance of managing lifestyle factors and stress to reduce the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency. Additionally, the study suggests that early screening for high-risk groups may help preserve fertility. These results can inform future research and clinical approaches aimed at improving the understanding and management of premature ovarian insufficiency.