Most women who have hysterectomies also have their ovaries removed; it's a precaution to protect against ovarian cancer. New research suggests removing healthy ovaries could lead to other problems.
Most of the 600,000 women who have their uterus removed also have their ovaries removed. New research suggests that decision could be putting thousands of women at risk.
A UCLA medical study questions the standard practice of removing healthy ovaries along with the uterus during a hysterectomy.
"For the average woman who does not carry any genetic problems that increases the risk of ovarian or breast cancer, I'm a strong advocate for ovary conservation," Dr. Holly Thacker of the Cleveland Clinic said.
The study found keeping healthy ovaries reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's.
"There is a survival advantage to women who keep their own ovaries," Dr. Thacker said.
In the past, ovaries have been removed, especially in hysterectomy patients over 45 in hopes of preventing ovarian cancer.
But ovaries make hormones that have to be replaced.
Kathy Kelly, who started support group web site, chose to have her ovaries removed because her mom died of ovarian cancer. But the hormone treatment, she says, has been a challenge.
"I fatigue more easily, so I know my energy level isn't what it used to be. I tend to get what I laughingly call brain fog," Kelly said.
Forgetfulness, fatigue, hot flashes, plus all the other inconveniences of early menopause.
Doctors say women considering this surgery should think twice as researchers try to determine if the benefits of protecting against cancer outweigh the inconveniences of hormone treatment and possible risks of other diseases.
One of the drawbacks of this study is the fact that it didn't track actual patients. It looked at data from other research.
Hyster Sister's
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/mainpage.php
Most of the 600,000 women who have their uterus removed also have their ovaries removed. New research suggests that decision could be putting thousands of women at risk.
A UCLA medical study questions the standard practice of removing healthy ovaries along with the uterus during a hysterectomy.
"For the average woman who does not carry any genetic problems that increases the risk of ovarian or breast cancer, I'm a strong advocate for ovary conservation," Dr. Holly Thacker of the Cleveland Clinic said.
The study found keeping healthy ovaries reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's.
"There is a survival advantage to women who keep their own ovaries," Dr. Thacker said.
In the past, ovaries have been removed, especially in hysterectomy patients over 45 in hopes of preventing ovarian cancer.
But ovaries make hormones that have to be replaced.
Kathy Kelly, who started support group web site, chose to have her ovaries removed because her mom died of ovarian cancer. But the hormone treatment, she says, has been a challenge.
"I fatigue more easily, so I know my energy level isn't what it used to be. I tend to get what I laughingly call brain fog," Kelly said.
Forgetfulness, fatigue, hot flashes, plus all the other inconveniences of early menopause.
Doctors say women considering this surgery should think twice as researchers try to determine if the benefits of protecting against cancer outweigh the inconveniences of hormone treatment and possible risks of other diseases.
One of the drawbacks of this study is the fact that it didn't track actual patients. It looked at data from other research.
Hyster Sister's
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/mainpage.php