Autoimmune oophoritis

 

Overview

Autoantibodies attack the ovaries, disrupting their regular functioning. As a result, primary ovarian failure can occur, preventing the ovaries from producing normal amounts of the hormone estrogen, or causing the release of eggs to become irregular.

Common Symptoms

Irregular or absent menstrual period, infertility, symptoms related to ovarian cysts including abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, infertility, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, painful intercourse.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes, SLE, pernicious anemia, myasthenia gravis, Addison’s disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

At this point, researchers have yet to discover risk factors for autoimmune oophoritis, but this is a field of study that needs more investigation.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Silva, C. A., Yamakami, L. Y., Aikawa, N. E., Araujo, D. B., Carvalho, J. F., & Bonfá, E. (2014). Autoimmune primary ovarian insufficiency. Autoimmunity reviews, 13(4-5), 427–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.01.003

    2. Autoimmune oophoritis. (n.d.). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/gard-rare-disease/autoimmune-oophoritis/

    3. Jacob, S., & Koc, M. (2015). Autoimmune oophoritis: A rarely encountered ovarian lesion. Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology, 58(2), 249–251. https://doi.org/10.4103/0377-4929.155335

    4. Komorowska, B. (2016). Autoimmune premature ovarian failure. Przegla̜d Menopauzalny = Menopause Review, 15(4), 210–214. https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2016.65666