Ovarian Surgery

Problems with the ovaries can occasionally require surgical intervention.  Minimally invasive surgery with laparoscopy to address these problems is the standard of care in most situations.

Should Ovaries Be Removed?

Many women are told they need to also have their ovaries removed if they are having a hysterectomy. This has been a controversial issue for many years, but until recently most doctors recommended removal of the ovaries after about age 45 in order to prevent women from developing ovarian cancer. However, the ovaries continue to produce hormones for many years after menopause and these hormones have many long-term health benefits, as well as benefits for improved mood, prevention of vaginal dryness, preservation of skin tone and elasticity.

The ovaries continue to produce estrogen in small amounts, and testosterone in normal amounts for about 30 years after menopause. Muscle, skin and fat cells change testosterone into estrogen, and this source of estrogen appears to be responsible for the lower risks of heart disease and osteoporosis that have been found in studies of women who still have their ovaries.

Dr. William Parker, et al. recently published an article in the renowned journal Obstetrics and Gynecology that showed a lower risk of dying before age 80 if you choose to keep your ovaries at the time you have a hysterectomy.  For more information on the benefits of ovarian preservation at the time of hysterectomy visit ovaryresearch.com.