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Autoimmune oophoritis

Evidence: Immune-mediated

Names

Autoimmune oophoritis

Description

In autoimmune oophoritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the ovaries, which causes inflammation, atrophy, and fibrosis. It is a rare cause of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). When it does occur it often is accompanied by autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I or type II. These changes inhibit the ovaries from working normally, and the underlying cause is unknown. Autoimmune oophoritis can also be associated with lupus, pernicious anemia, myasthenia gravis, and other autoimmune conditions. Special blood tests and imaging are used to diagnose this condition.

Patient Groups

None

Bloggers

None

Prevalence

US Cases: 64,000 [Rudnicka 2018 and Tsigkou 2008] 4% of women with primary ovarian insufficiency (Tsigkou), which is estimated to affect 1% of women (Rudnicka).

Typical Age of onset

Between 20 and 30 years old.

Symptoms

  • Secondary amenorrhea (rarely primary) with associated infertility

  • Usually associated with other autoimmune diseases

  • In teenagers, associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I or II

  • Abdominal 

  • Cramping

  • Bloating

  • Nausea/vomiting