To describe a possible role for estrogen in the induction or acceleration of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).
Two healthy young women who received estrogen-increasing therapy and then developed full-blown SS are described. The relationship between SS and estrogen therapy is discussed and the available literature reviewed.
Both women developed SS 3 years after starting estrogen-increasing treatment. The syndrome was severe in the first patient, who was treated with a high dosage of estrogen; the disease was moderate in the second patient, who received a lower estrogen dosage.
Estrogen may play a role in the pathogenesis of SS in some patients.