Non-randomised trial, 2004
Is hysterectomy and ovary removal an effective treatment for severe PMS?
Yes, 96% of women were satisfied with the surgery and 93.6% reported complete resolution of PMS symptoms. However, this is major surgery requiring ongoing hormone therapy and should only be considered for women with severe, treatment-resistant PMS.
What they did
A retrospective case series where researchers interviewed 47 women who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries for severe PMS between 1994 and 2000. Women completed structured questionnaires about satisfaction and symptoms.
What they found
Median age was 42 years. Women had suffered PMS for a mean of 9.68 years and received prior treatment for a mean of 3.57 years before surgery. After surgery: 96% were satisfied or very satisfied, 93.6% reported complete resolution of cyclical symptoms, and 93.6% continued hormone replacement therapy for a mean of 3.8 years post-operatively.
What it means for you
This surgery is extremely effective for very severe PMS, but it's only suitable for women with long-standing, severe symptoms who have exhausted other options. All women continued hormone therapy afterward, and this was not a randomized study, so we cannot compare it directly to other treatments.
47
women who underwent surgery
96%
satisfied or very satisfied
93.6%
with complete symptom resolution
About the study
- Original title
- Hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy for severe premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Cronje WH, Vashisht A, Studd JW
- Journal
- Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries, followed by hormone replacement therapy
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh354
Topics
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