'Ovariostasis' as the main preventive and therapeutic strategy for gynecological pathologies in women of reproductive age.

Abstract

Ovariostasis is a reversible and temporary suspension of the cyclic ovarian activity, characterized by anovulation and hypogonadotropinemia (low serum concentrations of FSH and LH), which can be observed in case of pregnancy or hypothalamic amenorrhea or medically obtained through the administration of combined hormonal contraceptives, progestin-only pills, or GnRH analogues. Ovariostasis effectively prevents undesired pregnancies, ovarian torsion, and hemorrhagic corpus luteum. Moreover, ovariostasis can be useful for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Ovariostasis also offers long-term benefits; for example, a significant risk reduction for ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial cancer, despite a slightly increased breast cancer risk. According to limited data, ovariostasis may have an influence on the age of onset of natural menopause. Experimental studies on mice hypothesize positive effects of ovariostasis on the ovarian reserve, thereby contributing to preservation of fertility. Ovariostasis can be considered as a practical, effective tool to prevent and treat gynecological pathologies in women of reproductive age and needs further studies on humans to evaluate its influence on the reproductive lifespan and ovarian reserve.