Chromosomal instability in women with primary ovarian insufficiency.

Study Question: What is the prevalence of somatic chromosomal instability among women with idiopathic primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

Summary Answer: A subset of women with idiopathic POI may have functional impairment in DNA repair leading to chromosomal instability in their soma.

What Is Known Already: The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks during meiotic recombination are fundamental processes of gametogenesis. Oocytes with compromised DNA integrity are susceptible to apoptosis which could trigger premature ovarian aging and accelerated wastage of the human follicle reserve.