Autoimmune premature ovarian failure

Autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) is a large category that requires better definition and characterization. It is not known whether it involves a single antibody-mediated process or multiple processes. No accurate serum marker is available to identify patients who have POF caused by autoimmunity, and specific antigens that are involved in the development of autoimmune POF have not been found. Ovarian biopsy is the only way to diagnose autoimmune POF with certainty, although the procedure is not indicated clinically unless it is included in an approved protocol for a clinical trial. Although some patients' POF undoubtly is caused by autoimmunity such as in patients with Addison's disease, clear proof of autoimmunity is lacking in most cases of idiopathic POFAutoimmunity remains a candidate for the cause of POF, but better approaches and solid data are needed to define its exact role. The use of immunosuppressive therapy for POF currently is not supported by properly designed, prospective, randomized trials.