Autoimmune Oophoritis / Premature Ovarian Failure
Autoimmune Oophoritis is an autoimmune
of the ovaries that can cause premature ovarian failure
in women still in their childbearing years. It can
strike at any age between 15 and 39 years, and the
initial symptoms might include irregular, heavier
periods that are more painful, reduced sex drive,
vaginal discharge, pain when having sex, mood swings
and insomnia.
The low estrogen levels can also cause other complications
such as osteoporosis, anxiety and depression (from
the lower estrogen and possibly at the thought of
infertility in young women).
The attack on the ovaries results in the destruction,
wasting away (atrophy) and scarring of the ovarie,
which reduces the production of the female hormones
required to release eggs from the ovaries. Autoimmune
Oophoritis can be a primary condition, or secondary
to other autoimmune conditions such as Thyroiditis,
Addison's Disease, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Myasthenia
Gravis, Vitiligo and Pernicious Anemia. It is also
commonly found in combination with inflammation of
the fallopian tubes (Salpingitis). There is no cure,
but it is treatable.
Symptoms:
Absence of period
Changes in mood
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Heavy, long periods
Hot flashes
Infertility
Insomnia
Irregular periods
Low sex drive
Night sweats
Pain when having sex
Severe menstrual cramps
Vaginal discharge
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually based on the menstruation history
combined with an elevated Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) blood test.
Treatment:
The only treatment available is hormone replacement
therapy, usually containing both estrogen and progestin
hormones.
Prognosis:
With effective hormone replacement therapy, it is
possible to to restore the hormone balance and return
to a normal menstrual cycle. Untreated, Autoimmune
Oophoritis will cause premature ovarian failure and
eventually infertility.
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