A recent study presents facts that routine removal of the ovaries during a hysterectomy may longer be justifiable. This was a common practice that studies now indicate may pose as many risks as it does benefits.
In the United States there are about 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year and approximately half of those procedures include the removal of the ovaries. The reason for this removal is to prevent cancer of the ovaries.
However, the evidence against the removal of the ovaries is growing. In fact, some studies suggest that the procedure can put women at a higher risk for stroke, heart disease and other age-related conditions.
Even after menopause, ovaries continue to produce important hormones that may actually protect women’s health. The studies say that there have been no trials that examined benefits and risks of the ovarian removal.
The study says that more data is needed, and that the current evidence should not be used to support the high rate of ovarian removals. The study concludes that there is a need for much more research in this area to see of the removal of the ovaries is actually justified.
On the other hand, women who are at risk for ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history or a genetic situation will actually benefit from the removal of the ovaries. However, the majority of women do not fall into either category.
In addition to creating a higher risk for women to develop stroke and heart disease, it was found that the younger the woman was when her ovaries were removed, the high the risk for developing heart disease. Additionally other clinical studies say that if a woman’s ovaries are removed pre-menopause; she is at a high risk for dementia and Parkinson’s disease later in life.
