To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase (a) medical practitioners' and (b) public awareness of premature ovarian failure; and if he will make a statement. (260995)

Premature ovarian failure (also called premature or early menopause) is defined as the onset of menopause before the age of 45 and affects at most 1 per cent. of women.

The management of women with premature ovarian failure is part of the core curriculum for training of all gynaecologists. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists held a public meeting ‘Premature menopause - A Change too soon' on 3 November 2007.

The Daisy Network Premature Menopause Support Group supports and gives advice to women who have experienced premature menopause.