Removing the ovaries with a hysterectomy is common. In fact, of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed every year, half of them include the removal of the ovaries - the reason behind it being cited as cancer prevention (of the ovaries).
The fact is that our ovaries are important to our health - even when we are beyond child-bearing age. They have been linked to heart attack prevention, lessening risks of stroke and even dementia.
A recent WedMD story found that "researchers concluded that there is an "urgent need" for appropriately designed trials to determine if ovary removal is justifiable for all women who have hysterectomies.
For women at high risk of ovarian cancer, including those with a strong family history of the disease and those with a genetic predisposition to get the cancer, the benefits of ovary removal are clear, says UCLA professor of obstetrics and gynecology William H. Parker, MD.
But for the vast majority of women who don't have these risks, removal of the ovaries during hysterectomy may not be justified, he says.
Parker's own 2005 study of hysterectomy patients between the ages of 40 and 80 with an average risk for ovarian cancer found no survival benefit associated with ovary removal at any age, and a survival disadvantage associated with the practice up until the age of 65."
Source: http://women.webmd.com/news/20080718/hysterectomy-out-with-the-ovaries-o...
Even though many women are put on drugs that imitate ovary function, it is not as good as having the ovaries themselves.
And women need to make sure their risk of ovarian cancer is as high or higher as their risk of heart disease. Since heart disease is the biggest killer of women, many could find that ovarian removal may not be worth the risk.
Tell Us
Did you have a hysterectomy with ovary removal? Or did you keep your ovaries? Are you happy with your decision? Were you aware of the important functions of ovaries, even after child bearing age?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment6 Comments
I had a total hysterectomy 5 weeks ago, because of a uterus prolaps. I am 56 yrs old. I told my dr that I wanted to keep my ovaries, since I did not have a canser, already had a C-125 canser test,and no canser in my family. He said he still strongly reccomended them to be removed, because of my age. He kind of talked me into making up my mind,fast 2 days before my scheduled operation. I said ok. And had a total hysterectomy. Now I am so sorry that I did that. He did not give me any hormones, until 10 days after the surgery. Today I have pain in my fingers, and I have been crying a lot. I am still not well, no energy,and dull pain. If I only would have listen to mt inner self. I knew what was right for me. My question is,what can I do to help my body make up for the hormones my ovaries made for me ?
March 25, 2012 - 4:31pmThis Comment
since writting my letter about having my full hysterectomy and going on hrt there is no turning back for me. BEST thing i have ever done. donot care if iam HRT iam on low pill. i go to my doctor all the time and she is so understand to help me in anyway. i have not got pain or heavy legs or bloating or any thing.i have EVERY mild tender breast that is all on HRT. iam so happy how it has turned out.
March 27, 2012 - 2:49amThis Comment
Francesca taking the ovaries will not help with the hormone side of things. You will be a lot worse off if they take your ovaries.
April 25, 2010 - 12:19amThis Comment
we hear so many good and bad stories about taking them out or not what is a women ment to do ???? i have had so many problems over the years and know it deside for a hysterectomy which i am happy about but when you read all these story it scares me a lttle. then go away and think about it all and think of all the stuff i have tryed over the years and nothing has helped. so how much do i need to try? yes the blooding will stop and taking the ovaries will help me with the hormone side of thing. do i stay everymonth for 3 weeks at a time as depressed or get angry all the time tied all the time and ect so many problems i go through so doing sucuide is not the answer as we cannot handle all these problems and drive how self todo crazy things to our family or us. iam so lucky to have a great family to understand me or i would be by myself by know. i have gotten worse over the years special the last 2 years. mirena is not for me that not working and doing stuff to my body. sorry i have been like this it just makes it had to deside what to do .
April 9, 2010 - 6:28amThis Comment
For women to choose whether they will consent to removal of their ovaries they need to be informed about the functions of the ovaries and the consequences of their removal.
It is the responsibility of the doctor to inform women that their ovaries are their gonads, and that the medically correct word for removal of the ovaries is female castration.
There are two primary concerns about this discussion of whether the ovaries should be removed. First, the ovaries produce all of the hormones a woman needs all of her life. The ovaries produce a variety of hormones including several types of estrogens, progesterone and androgens, which are released into the general circulation in precise and constantly varying amounts in order to maintain the balance called normalcy. Neither pharmaceutical hormones nor medical/surgical procedures can replicate this normal balance of hormone production, circulation and continual spontaneous adjustment to the body''s needs.
Second, and equally important, it is of concern that because the focus of this is whether the ovaries should remain intact or be removed that women and men may feel that as long as the ovaries are not removed that removing the uterus is inconsequential.
The uterus is a hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ that provides support to the bladder and the bowel. When a hysterectomy is performed the vagina is shortened and made into a closed pocket. Women who experience uterine orgasm (most women are unaware that it is contractions of the uterus that they feel during intense, pulsating orgasm) cannot experience it ever again when the uterus is removed.
Every woman and man, needs to be fully informed about the functions of the female organs. The HERS Foundation''s website has a short educational video "Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs" that should be seen by every woman before she is told to sign a form consenting to a hysterectomy and/or castration.
July 21, 2008 - 4:42pmThis Comment
I recently interviewed UCLA professor of obstetrics and gynecology William H. Parker, MD and he told me most hysterectomies are unnecessary.
That video is being edited and I hope to have it live soon.
-Todd
July 21, 2008 - 12:11pmThis Comment