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.