Ovarian volume in pre- and perimenopausal women: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between ovarian volume and age, hormonal levels, obesity, and phase of menstrual cycle in pre- and perimenopausal women.


METHODS
A study was carried out with 98 women from the general population who were not receiving drugs known to interfere with hormonal levels. Right and left ovary volume was measured by ultrasound. Blood samples were drawn for estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone determinations.


RESULTS
Fourteen women were excluded because of the presence of ovarian cysts. Mean ovarian volume for pre- and perimenopausal women was 7.1 +/- 3.1 cm3. There was no statistical difference in ovarian volume related to the phases of the menstrual cycle. Ovarian volume was significantly smaller in all age groups over 40 years compared with the 35-to-39 age group (P < 0.05). No association was observed between ovarian volume and body mass index. In turn, age (P = 0.013) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P = 0.002) showed a significant negative correlation, and luteinizing hormone showed a significant positive correlation with ovarian volume (P = 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian volume was smaller in pre- and perimenopausal women aged 40 years and older in relation with younger women. The current standard measurements of ovarian volume by transvaginal ultrasound should be reevaluated for pre- and perimenopausal women between 40 and 55 years of age.
Oppermann
Karen
K
Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. karenopp@terra.com.br
Fuchs
Sandra Costa
SC
Spritzer
Poli Mara
PM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002979:Climacteric; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017697:Premenopause; D012016:Reference Values; D014463:Ultrasonography
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone