Climacteric symptoms in women undergoing risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Background The most effective strategy for prevention of ovarian and breast cancer in high-risk women is bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The inevitable consequence of the procedure is early menopause with the associated climacteric symptoms. Little is known about the nature of the symptoms in women who undergo risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.Objectives To compare the nature, frequency, severity, duration, and overall effects of climacteric symptoms in a group of women who underwent preventive bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as compared to women who experienced natural menopause.Methods Forty-eight women at high risk for ovarian cancer who had risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were compared to 60 postmenopausal women who had natural menopause. The participants were interviewed about their climacteric complaints, thoughts and feelings regarding the surgical procedure and their general well-being. The climacteric symptoms were evaluated by a modified Greene Climacteric Scale.Result...