Women considering ovary removal to prevent cancer face a trade-off. Early removal of both ovaries may damage white matter in the brain, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline. However, the exact reasons behind this are still unclear.
This may soon change. 22 women who underwent premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) before age 40 43 women who underwent PBO between ages 40 and 45 39 women who underwent PBO between ages 46 and 49 907 women who did not undergo PBO before age 50 As many as 80 percent of participants who had their ovaries removed also had a history of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). However, despite the use of ERT by these women, their white matter integrity remained diminished.
Researchers say this suggests that the loss of testosterone, rather than estrogen, plays a critical role in brain health. Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with male characteristics, but it’s also present in women in smaller amounts. In women, it’s produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Thus, according to the study, removing both ovaries leads to a sudden drop in testosterone production. “Having both ovaries removed results in an abrupt decrease in both estrogen and testosterone in women,” according to Ms. Mielke.
The new study noted that female-to-male transgender people receiving testosterone therapy show increased white matter integrity. A tubo-ovarian abscess: A pus-filled pocket involving a fallopian tube and ovary Endometriosis: Growth .