Early Ovarian Surgery Linked to Dementia

Washington Post (AP) ^ | August 29, 2007 | MALCOLM RITTER

[dayglored]

I'm going to forego the too-easy jokes about estrogen and dementia, because this really is a serious health and quality-of-life issue for a lot of women. I'm 55, and a lot of my female friends and family have gone through menopause in recent years, and are dealing with hormone-related health stuff left and right. So I post this for the interest of our female FReepers and those who live with 'em and love 'em.

[Shelayne]

Oh great. This is what I get to look forward to now.

I better warn my husband. LOL.

Well, maybe I’ll suffer only half-dementia, as I did go back on the estrogen within the last year.

[dayglored]

> Oh great. This is what I get to look forward to now.

Sorry about that, Chief.

> I better warn my husband. LOL.

That's only fair...

> Well, maybe I’ll suffer only half-dementia, as I did go back on the estrogen within the last year.

It seems like a tricky tightrope to walk -- as they describe it, the same actions and treatments produce very different results at different ages that are not that far apart, statistically. Best of luck!!

[Rudder]

Ovaries produce estrogen. Rocca said the likeliest explanation of the study results is that removing ovaries causes a sudden deficiency of that hormone, which in turn affects the brain...

Deep.

Ovaries produce progesterone as well, and progesterone has "protective" effects on the brain. More detail and I'll loose the WAPO audience.

[dayglored]

> ...Ovaries produce progesterone as well, and progesterone has "protective" effects on the brain...

I get the feeling it's a pretty complicated system that we only vaguely understand.

Or maybe it's just that -I- only vaguely understand it.

Being a testosterone-based life-form, I'm pleased to report that -my- hormones and gonads have little or no effect on my brain. Oh, wait, let me rephrase that...

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

Being a testosterone-based life-form, I'm pleased to report that -my- hormones and gonads have little or no effect on my brain. Oh, wait, let me rephrase that...

NOOOO, your hormones don't have any effect, they just control your brain.

[LegendHasIt]

Very interesting.

My mother had a complete hysterectomy at about 40. Mild dementia for a couple of decades, and severe for the last lustrum.

It would be nice to think I might escape it due only to genetics as BOTH my parents have suffered with it.

Thanks for posting.

[blu]

So, when does this dementia kick in? I had a hysto almost 30 years ago. I need an excuse....!

[LegendHasIt]

Well, could be just coincidence.... but it took her about 40 years for it to be really noticeable. Probably won’t work as a good excuse for you. ;-)

[Hi Heels]

With two jobs, a drained bank account, hot flashes and a cycle that rivals Jurassic Park, I’m lining up for both a hysto AND dementia. Sounds great. I can’t get pregnant AND I won’t care about the bills.

[diverteach]

Well this helps explain my ex-wife.LOL

[mkjessup]

I'm going to forego the too-easy jokes about estrogen and dementia, because this really is a serious health and quality-of-life issue for a lot of women

Well if YOU'RE going to forego the too-easy jokes, SOMEbody has to step up to the plate and make one:

[GailA]

Best surgery I ever had...mine was 10 years ago I’m now 59...I was put on the estrogen patch...pills, and shots were tried..the gastro intestinal (acid reflux and constipation to the point the bowel shuts down) side effects were to much for me..so I’ve been off the hormones 9 yeas and not major problems except some dryness. No mood swings, few hot flashes any more. I have a long history of reacting badly to meds.

[vetvetdoug]

I haven’t noticed any appreciable dementia in any of my patients over 50 years old that had ovariohysterectomies at less than one year of age.

[Rudder]

Can any of these patients tell you their phone number?

[mewzilla]

From the people who brought you....

Breast cancer decline attributed to drop in HRT

[Paleo Conservative]

I haven’t noticed any appreciable dementia in any of my patients over 50 years old that had ovariohysterectomies at less than one year of age.

How many of your patients ever reach 50?

[vetvetdoug]

How many of your patients ever reach 50?

None.....

[Sally'sConcerns]

How many of your patients ever reach 50?

None.....

Not even when counting in "doggy" years? ;^) Let's see, last time I heard anything about the conversion of human years into dog years the figure was 1 human year would equal 7 dog years. Do they still use that as a measuring device? Using that equasion my terrier mix is close to 42 years old...wish I'd had his energy back when I was 42.

[G8 Diplomat]

Well this helps explain my ex-wife.

Might explain Hillary too