Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), formerly known as premature menopause, is characterized by the loss of ovarian function in women under 40 years of age. The clinical manifestations of this condition arise due to estrogen deficiency and may include symptoms such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, vasomotor instability (hot flashes, night sweats), sleep disturbances, vulvovaginal atrophy, changes in urinary frequency, dyspareunia, decreased libido, and general weakness. This article will discuss the autoimmune origin of POI and its relationship with other autoimmune diseases. According to statistics, from 4 to 30% of cases of POI are caused by autoimmune processes. POI often occurs with other autoimmune conditions, such as Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and diabetes mellitus, although it can also occur in isolation. The pathogenesis of POI is associated with hypoestrogenism and the loss of residual follicles, which leads to menstrual cycle disorders, infertility and a decrease in quality of life. To avoid the long-term effects of estrogen deficiency, hormone replacement therapy is recommended. Studying the causative factors of POI, the relationship of this condition with other autoimmune diseases and analyzing existing methods of early diagnosis will ensure more effective management of such patients and increase the chances of improving their fertility.

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