Ovarian function after uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata: assessment with use of serum follicle stimulating hormone assay.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomata causes a change in ovarian function as measured by serial basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) assay.


METHODS
Sixty-three patients undergoing UAE for symptomatic leiomyomata had blood samples obtained on day 3 of a menstrual cycle before UAE and on day 3 during menstrual cycles 3 and 6 months after treatment. Analysis of variance was used to detect differences in FSH levels among age groups at each interval. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine if individual mean change occurred for the group as a whole and for each age group. Onset of new menopausal symptoms was compared between groups with use of the chi(2) test.


RESULTS
There was no significant change in basal FSH levels for the group as a whole (P =.16), but there was a statistically significant difference when age groups were compared (P =.03). Individual change of >2 SD from baseline mean FSH level occurred at 6 months in seven patients, all 45-50 years of age. Four of these patients (15% of patients over age 44) had FSH levels increase to more than 20 IU/L. chi(2) analysis did not reveal any difference among the groups studied in the onset of menopausal symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients had no change in ovarian function as measured by basal FSH after UAE. For patients aged 45 or older, there is approximately a 15% chance of an increase in basal FSH into the perimenopausal range.
Spies
J B
JB
Interventional Radiology Section, Department of Radiology of Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd. NW, GC 201, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. spiesj@gunet.georgetown.edu
Roth
A R
AR
Gonsalves
S M
SM
Murphy-Skrzyniarz
K M
KM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001158:Arteries; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone