Prevalence of circulating antibodies directed toward ovaries among women with premature ovarian failure

Abstract

The presence of circulating antibodies to the ovary in serum samples from women with premature ovarian failure suggests that an autoimmune mechanism is a factor in the pathogenesis of this disorder in some women. Sera from 110 women with elevated serum levels of gonadotropins, low serum levels of estrogens, normal karyotypes, and amenorrhea before the age of 35 years were investigated for the presence of antibodies to the ovary. Of the total sera from these 110 patients with premature ovarian failure, 30 (27%) had results that were positive for the presence of circulating antibodies to ovary.