Abstract
The early onset of ovarian aging results in decreased ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), leading to infertility and early menopause. POI is associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present narrative review article was to review and summarize the recent literature regarding premature ovarian insufficiency and reduced ovarian reserve in patients with autoimmune diseases, especially SSc. The electronic database search for the review was conducted in Pubmed/Medline. This literature search indicates that POI is quite common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Even though limited studies demonstrate that POI is also seen in systemic sclerosis, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the influence of SSc on ovarian homeostasis.
Publisher
Medical Center "Edem Medical" LLC