Targeting the Ovary in Female Patients with Alopecia Areata

In a study from April 2012, researchers investigated the potential link between ovarian inflammation and alopecia areata (AA) in women, hypothesizing that the proinflammatory environment associated with the fertility cycle might trigger the autoimmune response seen in AA. Ten female patients with AA were evaluated through menstrual and reproductive histories, laboratory testing, and pelvic ultrasounds. Based on the findings, patients were categorized into three groups: those with menstrual abnormalities and increased ovarian volume or cystic activity, those with abnormal iron profiles, and those with low serum vitamin D levels. Treatments offered included norethindrone-containing oral contraceptives, metformin, and vitamin D. Remarkably, eight out of the ten patients experienced hair regrowth within 12 weeks of starting therapy. The study concluded that AA in women might respond to treatments that reduce ovarian-associated inflammation, suggesting that conditions like autoimmune oophoritis, premature ovarian failure, and autoimmune polyglandular syndromes could be related to the immunogenicity of the ovary. This research implies that targeting the fertility cycle could be a new therapeutic approach to AA in women.