Long-term outcomes of surgical menopause after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: results of the HARMOny study

  • Maarten J Beekman*
  • , Lara Terra
  • , Eveline M A Bleiker
  • , Bernadette A M Heemskerk-Gerritsen
  • , Helena C van Doorn
  • , Joanne A de Hullu
  • , Eleonora B L van Dorst
  • , Constantijne H Mom
  • , Marc van Beurden
  • , Brigitte F M Slangen
  • , Marian J E Mourits
  • , Jeanine E Roeters van Lennep
  • , Katja N Gaarenstroom
  • , Klaartje van Engelen
  • , Lizet E van der Kolk
  • , J Margriet Collée
  • , Marijke R Wevers
  • , Margreet G E M Ausems
  • , Lieke P V Berger
  • , Encarna B Gomez Garcia
  • Christi J van Asperen, Angela H E M Maas, Flora E van Leeuwen, Maartje J Hooning
*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), often performed for women at high familial risk of ovarian cancer, induces immediate menopause. Evidence about its long-term effects is scarce.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study (n = 740) nested in a nationwide cohort of women at high familial risk of ovarian cancer. Participants completed a cognition test and a questionnaire on lifestyle, sexual functioning, urinary incontinence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL, SF-36). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed during a clinical visit. In women aged 60-70 years at study visit (n = 330), we compared potential long-term health effects of RRSO between women who underwent the procedure before menopause (i.e. when aged ≤45years) and those who had the procedure after menopause (when aged ≥54years).

RESULTS: Participants' median age was 64.3 years, and the median time since premenopausal RRSO was 21 years. A comprehensive overview of our (partially published) results showed that a premenopausal RRSO compared with a postmenopausal RRSO was not associated with long-term coronary artery calcification, objective cognitive functioning, urinary incontinence or impaired health-related quality of life. However, women in the premenopausal RRSO group had lower bone mineral density and reported more vaginal dryness and sexual discomfort compared with the postmenopausal RRSO group.

CONCLUSION: Premenopausal RRSO does not appear to be associated with long-term cardiovascular disease risk, cognition or health-related quality of life. However, it negatively influences bone mineral density and vaginal dryness.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pre-registered clinical trial number: NCT03835793.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108882
JournalMaturitas
Volume207
Early online date14 Feb 2026
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Feb 2026

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long-term outcomes of surgical menopause after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: results of the HARMOny study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this