Effect of Surgical Menopause on Temporal Perception, Speech Perception in Noise, and Working Memory

Abstract

Surgical menopause is the abrupt onset of menopause symptoms following the surgical removal of both ovaries. This procedure, often performed for medical reasons such as ovarian cancer or severe endometriosis, results in a significant and sudden decrease in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. Hormonal changes from surgical menopause are linked to adverse effects on cognitive functions and auditory processing. The study compared temporal perception abilities using gap detection thresholds (GDT) and modulation detection thresholds (MDT), speech perception in noise, and working memory among three groups: women with surgical menopause, normal healthy women, and men. The study also aimed to investigate gender differences in these abilities. The results indicated significant differences in temporal perception abilities and working memory between the groups. Women with surgical menopause had poorer MDT, GDT, and forward digit span scores than healthy men and women. Normal healthy men demonstrated better GDT thresholds than normal healthy women, suggesting higher temporal processing acuity in men for brief intervals. Despite the poorer scores, the Kruskal-Wallis test for Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) revealed no significant differences between the groups for both ears. The study concluded that hormonal changes due to surgical menopause significantly impact temporal perception, speech perception in noise, and working memory. The findings underscore the importance of hormonal regulation in maintaining cognitive and auditory functions. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions to mitigate these adverse effects and improve the quality of life for women undergoing surgical menopause.