The surgical menopause

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Surgical Menopause Management

Background:

• Surgical menopause, or iatrogenic menopause, results from bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) before natural menopause.
• It causes a rapid decline in ovarian sex steroid production, unlike the gradual decrease in natural menopause.
• This can lead to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in women under 40.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the implications of surgical menopause.
• To emphasize the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) post-BSO.
• To highlight the role of androgens in managing sexual dysfunction after BSO.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on surgical menopause and its effects.
• Analysis of hormonal changes following BSO.
• Evaluation of HRT and androgen therapy in post-BSO patients.

Main Results:

• Surgical menopause leads to abrupt sex steroid reduction and potential POI.
• HRT is strongly advised for women undergoing BSO before natural menopause age.
• Sexual function and desire are frequently impacted, necessitating androgen consideration in HRT.

Conclusions:

• Women undergoing BSO require careful management with HRT until the expected age of natural menopause.
• Androgen therapy should be considered as part of HRT to address sexual dysfunction post-BSO.
• Early and comprehensive hormone management is crucial for improving quality of life after surgical menopause.