Menopause and OS

The fallopian tubes and ovaries share part of their blood supply. Removal of the fallopian tubes may potentially reduce blood flow to the ovaries, which could lead to a reduced ovarian reserve and thereby an earlier onset of menopause. An early menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Recent studies have shown no short-term evidence of a reduced ovarian reserve following opportunistic salpingectomy (OS). (1,2) However, other research suggests that OS may lead to menopause up to two years earlier in the long term. (3)

The results of the prospective STOPOVCAyoung study, which investigates the long-term effects of OS on menopause, are still pending. This study will determine whether women indeed enter menopause earlier (up to two years) or not. (4)

References:

  1. Radu T, Mar M, Tudorache V, Marginean C. The Impact of Opportunistic Salpingectomy on Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(11).

  2. Gelderblom ME, IntHout J, Dagovic L, Hermens R, Piek JMJ, de Hullu JA. The effect of opportunistic salpingectomy for primary prevention of ovarian cancer on ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2022;166:21-34.

  3. van Lieshout LAM, Steenbeek MP, De Hullu JA, Vos MC, Houterman S, Wilkinson J, et al. Hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy versus hysterectomy alone. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;8(8):Cd012858.

  4. Gelderblom ME, IntHout J, Hermens R, Coppus S, Ebisch I, van Ginkel AA, et al. STop OVarian CAncer (STOPOVCA) young: Protocol for a multicenter follow-up study to determine the long-term effects of opportunistic salpingectomy on age at menopause. 2022;159:62-8.