Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the impact of bilateral ovariectomy in post-menopausal women by comparison of climacteric symptoms before and after operation. Methods Post-menopausal women who received hysterectomy with concurrent bilateral ovariectomy on benign uterine indications were recruited. Climacteric symptoms before and after operation were accessed by a questionaire including modified Kupperman Index. Comparison was made after grouping the patients into early menopause group, whose menopausal period was no more than 5 years, and late menopause group, whose menopausal period was more than 5 years. Results Among a total of 95 individuals, 8 had normal, 46 had mild, 34 had moderate, and the other 7 had severe Kupperman Index scores before operation, while 5 had normal, 28 had mild, 48 had moderate, and the other 14 had severe Kupperman Index scores after operation, with more moderate and severe climacteric symptoms after operation than before operation (P<0.05). Women of early menopause group had higher total Kupperman Index scores and symptom scores of sweating, insomnia, depression, fatigue and headache than those of late menopause group before operation (P<0.05). Women of early menopause group had significantly higher Kupperman Index scores after operation than before operation (23.93±7.53 vs 17.63±8.07, P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in total Kupperman Index scores in women of late menopause group before and after operation. Conclusion Bilateral ovariectomy may affect the climactic symptoms in post-menopausal women, especially in early menopausal period.

Key words: post-menopause, climacteric symptom, bilateral ovariectomy, modified Kupperman Index score