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Perimenopausal androgen decline after oophorectomy does not influence sexuality or psychological well-being
Adel Aziz1, Mats Brännström, Christer Bergquist
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Borås Hospital, 501 82 Borås, Sweden. adel.aziz@vgregion.se
Objective:
To determine whether oophorectomy during the perimenopause, with the associated decline in ovarian androgens, affects sexual function and psychological well-being negatively.
Design:
Prospective, observational study comparing sexuality and psychological well-being in women after hysterectomy only (HYST) vs. hysterectomy and concomitant oophorectomy (HYST+BSO).
Setting:
University hospital and district general hospital.
Patient(S):
Three hundred sixty-two perimenopausal women scheduled for elective hysterectomy on benign indication were recruited and 323 (89%) completed the 1-year follow-up (217 in the HYST group and 106 in the HYST+BSO group).
Intervention(S):
The patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. Postoperatively, estrogen replacement therapy was recommended to all women in the HYST+BSO group and to HYST group subjects with climacteric symptoms.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Sex steroids (T, androstenedione, DHEA-S, and E(2)) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Free androgen index and free E(2) index were calculated. Sexuality (McCoy's Female Sex Questionnaire) and psychological well-being (Psychological General Well-Being Index) were evaluated.
Results(S):
Preoperatively, no hormonal differences were found between the two groups. At 1-year follow-up, all sex steroid levels and indices were decreased and SHBG was increased in the HYST+BSO group. Ovarian sex steroids were decreased in the HYST group, whereas DHEA-S and SHBG were unaltered. Sexuality was unaltered in the HYST+BSO group, whereas decreased scores were found in 3 of 14 sexual variables in the HYST group. Psychological well-being was improved in both groups. There were no correlations between the observed changes (data 1 year after surgery, compared with preoperative data) in androgen levels and index and the observed changes in any aspect of sexuality or psychological well-being.
Conclusion(S):
Hormonal changes after oophorectomy in conjunction with perimenopausal hysterectomy do not significantly change postoperative (1-year) sexual or psychological well-being.
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