A new study examined the cognitive effects of ovary removal in females.
A researcher with Wake Forest University utilized data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging to study females who had their ovaries surgically removed before menopause — a procedure called a premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO).
When a woman undergoes a PBO, this impacts the body’s hormones, which can lead to cognitive impairment such as dementia. Researchers wanted to see if there was a physiological reason this occurs. The findings appear in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of Alzheimer’s. Human brains consist of two types of brain tissue: gray and white matter.Both forms of brain matter decrease with age, which can contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
In the current study, some researchers also examined white matter in the brains of females because PBOs can be associated with cognitive impairment.
According to the study, having both ovaries removed before menopause can cause abrupt endocrine dysfunction.
While the study maintains that these brain regions are not typically connected to cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease, it does mention there was a change in the superior temporal white matter, which is associated with Alzheimer’s pathology.
Females in the age 40–44 group did not show any differences in white matter integrity compared to the reference group, but females in the age 45–49 group did experience reductions in white matter volume. Women who had their ovaries removed before age 40 showed reduced white matter integrity, which suggests an increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. This emphasizes the critical role of ovarian hormone regulation in maintaining brain structure/ function, particularly in preserving white matter integrity.
When the ovaries are removed, the body’s source of the hormones estrogen and testosterone are also removed. Both hormones have “neuroprotective properties” that contribute to brain health. Other strategies include lifestyle interventions such as regular physical exercise, cognitive training, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and managing cardiovascular risk factors.
These results may influence future guidelines by highlighting the importance of preserving hormonal balance in women considering oophorectomy at an earlier age. They could lead to recommendations for monitoring cognitive health and considering HRT to mitigate risks. The findings advocate for a more nuanced approach to women’s health, particularly regarding surgical decisions and hormonal therapies.
