Abstract: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is an important cause of female infertility. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of POF is not very clear. Recent studies have shown that the etiological factors of POF include genetics, immune, iatrogenic and environmental factors. Genetic factor as an important factor of POF includes numerous abnormalities in chromosome number and structure as well as gene mutation. Immune factor may be due to the presence of antigens in ovaries or body fluids, so that antibodies produced in other parts of the body cause ovarian damage, or the abnormal hormone level caused by autoimmune diseases that may affect female endocrine. Iatrogenic factors of POF mainly include pelvic surgery history and postoperative chemoradiotherapy. In addition, some substances in the environment may damage the follicles and thus cause POF. Recent advances in the etiology of POF, especially in genetic and immunological factors, are reviewed so as to provide a useful reference for the treatment and prevention of POF.

Key words: Premature ovarian failure, Infertility, female, Genes, Mutation, Chromosome aberrations