Early surgical menopause 'can lead to cognitive decline'

Undergoing surgical menopause early in life could lead to women experiencing cognitive decline, a new study has revealed.

Females sometimes have their ovaries removed before they begin the menopause naturally.

However, research to be unveiled at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting has identified a link between the procedure and the patient's subsequent memory and thinking skills.

Dr Riley Boye, author of the study, said the rate of decline is much slower for those on longer hormone replacement therapies.

This, she stated, has raised the question of whether females who experience surgical menopause at an early age "should be taking hormone replacement therapies afterwards".

Dr Boye pointed out that hormone replacement therapy is widely available, adding that the findings suggest it may have a "protective effect against cognitive decline".

The research was based on an examination of more than 1,800 women aged 53 or above, of whom one-third had undergone surgical menopause.