Ovary Removal May Increase Risk of Dementia for Some Women

A new study has found that women who have had their ovaries removed before menopause may suffer an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers followed almost three thousand women. Half of the group had one or both ovaries removed and the other half still had their ovaries in tact. The participants were followed for a period of twenty-five to thirty years.

The study discovered that women who had their removal surgery at young ages suffered from mental and neurological disorders at a higher rate than women whose ovaries remained intact during menopause.

The studys authors are citing estrogen loss from ovarian removal as the culprit. The results are still preliminary and more studies need to be done to determine the mental effects of ovary removal (oophorectomy).