Clinical Trials

Inclusion Criteria:   

• Premenopausal women undergoing (or completion of a) bilateral oophorectomy for non-malignant diagnoses at Mayo Clinic, Rochester; or premenopausal women not undergoing the procedure for the time control group.
• Currently between the ages of 21- 45 years old.
• Able to participate fully in all aspects of the study.
• Able to understand and sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria: 

• Contra indication to hormone therapy.
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the preceding 3 months.  (only applicable to those participating in the cardiovascular testing)
• Current using tobaccom, or past use in preceding 12 months.  (only applicable to those participating in the cardiovascular testing)
• Current use of medication that alters autonomic or vascular function (e.g. α-blockers, β-blockers, etc.).  (only applicable to those participating in the cardiovascular testing)
• For Time Controls:
  • Are currently pregnant or lactating, or are of child-bearing potential or are likely to become pregnant during the study and unwilling to use contraception.  Acceptable forms include:
    • Barrier methods (such as a condom or diaphragm) used with a spermicide (a foam, cream, or gel that kills sperm);
    • Copper IUD;
    • Hysterectomy;
    • Tubal ligation;
    • Abstinence (no sex);
• Any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study.