Association of Hormonal Profiles with Menopausal Symptoms in Women Following Hysterectomy

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations in gynecology, with a potential impact on ovarian function and an increase in hormonal changes causing menopausal symptoms. Changes in important hormones like Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Inhibin B could be major contributors to the onset and severity of these symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship of hormonal profiles with menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women after hysterectomy. Methods: We performed a case–control study at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital, Al-Najaf, Iraq from June 2025 to December 2025. The study involved 48 women with a history of hysterectomy, compared to 62 age-matched healthy controls. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data, including menopausal symptoms. FSH, LH and inhibin B serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses: independent t-test, Chi-square test and correlation analysis, P < 0.05. Results: FSH (46.80 ± 8.75 mIU/mL) and LH (28.50 ± 6.20 mIU/mL) levels in women with hysterectomy were significantly higher than controls (P < 0.05), but inhibin B secretion was significantly lower at this stage (18.30 ± 5.10 pg/mL). Patients reported significantly more menopausal symptoms than the controls, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances and night sweats (p < 0.05). High levels of FSH and LH were significantly associated with vasomotor and psychological symptoms, whereas low inhibin B was significantly linked to vaginal dryness and lack of libido. Conclusion: Hysterectomy is related with hormonal imbalance and increased menopausal symptoms. Hormonal profiling may prove particularly valuable in the assessment and management of post-hysterectomy.

Keywords:

FSH, LH, Inhibin B, Hysterectomy, Menopausal Symptoms

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