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
References
Annals of the New York Academy of Science
NIH - Rare Disease
May 2024 Update by Lauren Young
