Hysterectomized women with ovarian conservation report more severe climacteric complaints than do normal climacteric women of similar age

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the severity of typical climacteric complaints (vasomotor complaints and vaginal dryness) and 21 other complaints, considered atypical for the climacteric, in women with and without a uterus. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional population questionnaire survey was sent to all women aged 39 through 60 years in Ede, the Netherlands. Subjects were 986 hysterectomized women (one or both ovaries present) and 5636 normal women (uterus and both ovaries present). Statistical analysis was performed by cross tabulations, x 2 analysis, analysis of variance, meta-analysis of variance, and ratios. RESULTS: Hysterectomized women, especially those aged 39 to 41 years, report significantly more vasomotor complaints, vaginal dryness, and atypical complaints than do normal climacteric women of the same age. The higher prevalence of typical climacteric complaints in hysterectomized women largely explains their higher level of atypical complaints. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be alert to typical climacteric complaints after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation, especially in young women, because the literature indicates that hysterectomized women with ovarian conservation are overrepresented with regard to osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, depression, and sexual problems.