surgical menopause - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Earlier Age of Surgical Menopause Associated with More Significant Cognitive Decline

Previous studies have shown that the abrupt hormonal changes that occur after a surgical menopause (i.e., removal of the ovaries) negatively affect cognition in women. According to a recent study, "Women who were younger at the time of surgical menopause have a more rapid rate (steeper slope) of cognitive decline than women who were older at the time of surgery or than women undergoing natural menopause." Earlier age at menopause was also associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology, in particular neuritic plaques.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-07-21T11:33:53-04:00December 23rd, 2013|Menopausal Symptoms|0 Comments

Mood and well-being after removal of both ovaries

The risk of depression after removal of both ovaries (also called bilateral oöphorectomy or surgical menopause) is a major factor for women to consider when they confront medical problems that require removal of the uterus (called a hysterectomy). Many women are advised to consider having their ovaries removed when they are having the uterus removed. Sometimes removal of the ovaries is required to fully treat the condition leading to surgery, but other times it is suggested as a precaution to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Removal of both ovaries in a premenopausal woman results in an abrupt withdrawal of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Therefore removing both ovaries (rather than just one or neither ovary) may have significant effects on mood and well-being in women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:02:54-04:00February 24th, 2009|Menopausal Symptoms|13 Comments