Subjective cognitive changes following premenopausal risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Women at high risk for ovarian cancer often undergo risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) before natural menopause.
• While cognitive symptoms are common during natural menopause, research on post-surgical menopause cognitive changes is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective cognitive experiences of women within 24 months following risk-reducing BSO.
• To identify specific cognitive changes and mood symptoms reported by women after surgical menopause.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional sub-study of the Early Menopause and Cognition Study (EM-COG).
• Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 Australian women who had undergone risk-reducing BSO.
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes in participants' reported cognitive experiences.

Main Results:

• 93.75% of participants (15/16) reported cognitive changes within 24 months post-BSO.
• Commonly reported cognitive symptoms included brain fog, memory and retrieval difficulties, slower processing speed, and attention deficits.
• 31.3% of participants (5/16) experienced negative mood symptoms post-BSO.

Conclusions:

• Women frequently experience subjective cognitive changes in the 24 months following risk-reducing BSO.
• The post-surgical menopause period may represent a vulnerable time for women's cognitive health.
• Psychoeducation and increased awareness are recommended to help manage cognitive symptoms after surgical menopause, pending confirmation by larger prospective studies.