Shana's Story
August 2002

current age: 23
age of diagnosis: 22

Share a brief summary about yourself, how POF changed your life.

I am 23 years old, the oldest of 3. My parents have been married 23 years. I work for the Probation Departments, Victim Witness Program. I met my wonderful husband and almost instantly we began discussing family. I remember going to the doctor because I hadn't had a period in a few months, they ushered me out telling me that it was stress and "normal".
I always thought that being the oldest had some benefits, you know, the first to get to drive, stay out late, get married and have children. Well, my husband and I decided to start trying and guess what, both our 18 year old sisters call to announce their pregnancies. That was a shock.

How did your health care provider tell you about your diagnosis?

My "wonderful" healthcare provider took all my bloodwork in June of 2001. Then in October gave me the results, that my FSH was slightly raised, I think a 9. We then retook the tests, at my request (the doc said it was pointless). At 4:50 pm on a Friday afternoon my doc called me at work to tell me "Ms. Benson you will never have children." "I am sorry to call you at work, I just didnt look at the results first". Talk about a shock and devastation.

Do you have any advice or tips for others?

Arm yourself with knowledge. You can never know too much about POF, sometimes you will know more than your doctor. If something that your doctor says doesn't make sense, ask for clarification.

How has your spouse, SO or confidant been helpful to you in dealing with POF.

I told my husband that if he wanted a divorce that I would totally understand, he told me, quite frankly, that he "did not marry my ovaries" and that doctors can be wrong. He lets me know how much I am loved, with or without being able to give birth.

How does he or she deal with POF?

He listens to me cry, and holds me when I sob. He is always positive, telling me that 5% is more than nothing. I couldn't ask for more stability than he provides for me.