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Effects of simple hysterectomy on bone loss
R Durães Simões1, E Chada Baracat, V L Szjenfeld
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista Paulista De Medicina
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Hysterectomized women aged 35-45 showed lower bone density in the proximal femur, particularly at Ward's triangle, compared to menstruant controls. This suggests hysterectomy may impact bone health even without ovary removal.
Area of Science:
- Bone Densitometry
- Osteoporosis Research
- Women's Health
Background:
- Bone density is crucial for skeletal health and fracture prevention.
- Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure in women.
- The impact of hysterectomy without oophorectomy on bone density requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lumbar spine and proximal femoral bone densities between menstruant and hysterectomized Caucasian women aged 35-45.
- To determine if hysterectomy, without removal of ovaries, affects bone mineral density.
Main Methods:
- Dual photon densitometry (DPX model) was used to measure bone mineral density.
- Measurements were taken at the lumbar spine (vertebrae L2-L4) and proximal femur (trochanter, femoral neck, Ward's triangle).
- The study included 22 women: 11 menstruant controls and 11 hysterectomized women (surgery within 5 years, no oophorectomy).
Main Results:
- Hysterectomized women exhibited lower bone densities than menstruant controls.
- This difference was statistically significant at Ward's triangle in the proximal femur.
- No significant differences were noted at the lumbar spine or other measured femoral sites.
Conclusions:
- Hysterectomy without oophorectomy may be associated with reduced bone density in the proximal femur, specifically at Ward's triangle.
- These findings suggest a potential localized effect of hysterectomy on bone metabolism.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and long-term implications.