title: The effects of pre-operative menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on sexuality and quality of life after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Investigate the effects of pre-operative menopausal status and HRT use on sexual outcomes following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study of 119 women who underwent RRSO between 2009 and 2014.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was collected via a questionnaire and serum test for testosterone and free androgen index (FAI). The questionnaire comprised demographic data and validated measures of sexual function, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, body image, psychological stress, menopause quality of life and general quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rates of sexual issues were similar despite menopause status at operation. Women who were pre-menopausal at operation (mean age=44 years ± 5) had significantly higher rates of sexual distress (p=0.020), dissatisfaction with sex life (p=0.011) and bothersome sexual menopause symptoms (p=0.04) than women who were post-menopausal (mean age=55 years ± 7). Pre-menopausal women reported higher psychological distress from surgery (p=0.005) and poorer emotional (p=0.052) wellbeing. HRT use reduced the rates of dyspareunia (p=0.027) and the severity of sexual menopausal symptoms (p=0.030). Androgen levels were not significantly associated with desire or arousal scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regardless of menopausal status at operation, women experienced the same sexual issues at equivalent rates. However, pre-menopausal women reported higher sexual distress and dissatisfaction with sex life. Pre-menopausal women also had greater psychological distress and poorer emotional function.
authors: St John of God Hospital Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, 23 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia. Electronic address: Paige.Tucker@sjog.org.au.
authors: Paige E
authors: PE
authors: Tucker
authors: Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, 23 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia. Electronic address: Max.Bulsara@nd.edu.au.
authors: Max K
authors: MK
authors: Bulsara
authors: St John of God Hospital Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Electronic address: Stuart.Salfinger@health.wa.gov.au.
authors: Stuart G
authors: SG
authors: Salfinger
authors: St John of God Hospital Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Electronic address: Jason@womencentre.com.au.
authors: Jason Jit-Sun
authors: JJ
authors: Tan
authors: Women Centre, 2 McCourt St, West Leederville, WA 6007, Australia. Electronic address: Helena@relate-sexology.com.au.
authors: Helena
authors: H
authors: Green
authors: St John of God Hospital Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, 23 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia. Electronic address: Paul.Cohen@sjog.org.au.
authors: Paul A
authors: PA
authors: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000523:psychology; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood; D017697:Premenopause / Q000097:blood; D057234:Preoperative Period; D065286:Prophylactic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone
keywords: BRCA1/2; Female sexual dysfunction; Hormone replacement therapy; Menopause; Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy; Serum androgen levels