Abstract: Premature ovarian failure（POF） is defined as the recession of ovarian function in women under the age of 40 years. The lost fertility and the lowered level of estrogen caused by POF are two factors affected reproductive health and life quality. And the morbidity is tending towards younger women in recent years. The etiological factors and pathogenesis of POF are extremely heterogeneous，involving genetic factors，immune factors，iatrogenic factors，metabolic factors，environmental factors and infection. This review discussed the etiology of POF.

Key words: Ovarian failure, premature, Chromosome aberrations, Autoimmune diseases, Iatrogenic factors