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Does hysterectomy with ovarian conservation affect bone metabolism and density?

Sulin Cheng1, Harri Sievänen, Ari Heinonen

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, 40351 Jyväskylä, Finland.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
|December 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Hysterectomy with ovarian conservation (HYX) in postmenopausal women was linked to improved bone density and strength. This suggests the uterus may play a previously unrecognized role in bone metabolism regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Orthopedics
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • The impact of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation (HYX) on bone metabolism and density in postmenopausal women is not fully understood.
  • Previous research has not extensively explored the uterus's role in bone health regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation (HYX) on bone metabolism and density in healthy postmenopausal women.
  • To assess potential correlations between HYX and bone turnover biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD).

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 176 healthy Caucasian postmenopausal women (aged 48-59) comparing those with and without a history of HYX.
  • Measured bone properties (hip, spine, radius, tibia, calcaneus) using various assessment modalities.
  • Assessed bone turnover via serum biomarkers: bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b.

Main Results:

  • Women with HYX exhibited significantly lower osteocalcin (OC) levels (P=0.017) and marginally lower TRAP 5b (P=0.051).
  • Higher bone mineral density (BMD) was observed in the femoral neck (P=0.037) and lumbar spine (P=0.001) in women with HYX.
  • Increased cortical BMD and bone strength index (I(polar)) of the tibia were noted in women with HYX (P=0.055 to P<0.005).

Conclusions:

  • Hysterectomy with ovarian conservation (HYX) is associated with improved bone mineral density and strength in postmenopausal women.
  • These findings suggest a potential, previously unrecognized role of the uterus in regulating bone metabolism.

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