Systemic lupus erythematosus induced by ovulation induction treatment.

Infertile women are treated with various regimens for ovulation induction. The ultimate end-result of these treatments is a significant rise in levels of serum gonadotropins and estradiol--the most potent natural estrogen. Estrogens may affect diverse biologic functions, including immune and inflammatory reactions. A role for estrogens in the development or exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been suggested by many studies. In this report, we present 3 cases of otherwise healthy women who received ovulation induction agents and subsequently developed full-blown SLE. The possible association between this treatment and SLE is discussed.