The effect of hysterectomy on ovarian blood supply and endocrine function.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hysterectomy on ovarian blood supply by color Doppler ultrasonography and the relationship between ovarian blood supply and ovarian function.

Methods: Fifty patients undergoing hysterectomy due to uterine myoma were recruited as the study group. Forty patients who received myomectomy served as the control group. The following ovarian arterial parameters were measured before operation, on day 5, 1 and 3 months after operation: peak systolic flow velocity (Vmax) and pulsatility index (PI). Blood samples were taken at the time of each Doppler scan for subsequent hormone analysis: serum estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Results: In the study group, Vmax, FSH and LH levels were significantly higher, while PI, estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly lower, on day 5 compared to pre-operation and to those of the control group. One and 3 months postoperatively, PI, FSH and LH levels were significantly higher, while Vmax, estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly lower, compared to pre-operation and to those of the control group. Vmax and PI were significantly correlated with FSH (r = 0.440, p = 0.015; and r = -0.361, p = 0.043, respectively) on day 5 postoperatively, but not with estradiol, progesterone and LH. Vmax was significantly correlated with estradiol and progesterone (r = 0.417, p = 0.045; and r = 0.808, p < 0.001, respectively) 1 and 3 months postoperatively, but not with LH and FSH. There were no correlations between PI and the hormone parameters 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions: Hysterectomy may impair ovarian blood supply and function. There is good correlation between Doppler parameters and endocrine parameters.