[Development of clinical pictures of ovarian deficiency following hysterectomy and destructive fallopian tube sterilization procedures].

30 patients who had been hysterectomized at the Kiel University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 83 patients who had undergone tubal sterilization by monopolar high frequency current or by endocoagulation according to Semm, were investigated with respect to endocrinology and to vaginal cytology. Plasma levels of 17-beta-estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH were determined at short intervals for 2-3 menstrual cycles. Biphasic cycles and a relatively good estrogen response of the vaginal smears were found in the majority. In contrast, estrogen levels were slightly diminished when compared to controls of the same age group, and progesterone levels were markedly reduced, in particular in the middle luteal phase, with a corresponding gonadotrophin increase. These observations were made in women after hysterectomy, and after sterilization by monopolar high frequency current, in particular those who developed climacteric symptoms 2-3 years later. Comparable hormonal changes were not found in patients free of symptoms after "radical" endocoagulation or in any of the patients after the tissue-saving "modified" endocoagulation technique.