The endocrinological evaluation of bilateral and unilateral oophorectomy in premenopausal women.

The sequence of changes in serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P) levels immediately following unilateral and bilateral oophorectomy with hysterectomy and hysterectomy alone has been measured in 65 premenopausal women by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, relationship of vasomotor symptoms and serum hormone levels were studied and no correlation was found. We show mathematically the change of the relationship of the pituitary and gonadal hormones after castration. We believe that castration causes change in the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary and gonadal axis. In view of our results, we recommend leaving at least one ovary to prevent postcastration symptoms and to maintain a good physiological condition.