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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction
Published on: March 25, 2021
Parsing Genetic and Autoimmune Etiology in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Elise Nauwynck1, Jean De Schepper1, Michel De Vos2
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, KidZ Health Castle, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1000, Belgium.
Abstract:
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare cause of primary amenorrhea in adolescents. For young women with uncertain etiology of POI, genetic and autoimmune testing may be recommended to assist in treatment and management decisions. This report presents a case of POI in a 16-year-old adolescent with both poly-autoimmune disease and a heterozygous missense variant in the bone morphogenic factor 15 (BMP15) gene, both potentially involved in the pathogenesis of POI. Accurately distinguishing between autoimmune and genetic causes is crucial for effective treatment and counseling. In addition, given the significant psychological impact and the need for reproductive options counseling, a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychological support is highly recommended.
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