Surgical menopause: effects on psychological well-being and sexuality.
OBJECTIVE
Women anticipating surgical menopause often have significant concerns regarding the effects of surgery on psychological well-being and sexuality.


RESULTS
The impact of hysterectomy, often with concurrent oophorectomy, on well-being and sexuality will vary depending on many factors. These include a woman's preoperative mental health and sexual function, the indications for surgery, and the specific procedure being performed. Whether or not estrogen therapy is an option also will affect a woman's postoperative symptoms and experience of surgical menopause.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of research on the effects of surgical menopause shows improved psychological well-being and sexual function after hysterectomy for benign disease. Women with depression or sexual problems preoperatively are at increased risk for experiencing a worsening of mood and libido postoperatively.
Shifren
Jan L
JL
Vincent Ob/Gyn Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jshifren@partners.org
Avis
Nancy E
NE
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019529:Sexuality