Endometriosis - Is an Oophorectomy and No Estrogen a Cure?

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Endometriosis - Is an Oophorectomy and No Estrogen a Cure?

Endometriosis - Is an Oophorectomy and No Estrogen a Cure?

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Ask A Doctor

If I have my ovaries removed and do not use estrogen replacement, will that cure my endometriosis?

Estrogen is the fuel for endometriosis so in theory is sounds plausible that no ovaries and no estrogen replacement should equal no endometriosis. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the case.

If any endometriosis implants or lesions are left during any surgery, you can continue to have issues even after an oophorectomy and avoiding ERT. Why? Several reasons actually.

One, researchers and doctors are finding that endometriosis implants can create their own supply of estrogen. This can allow any remaining endometriosis to be self-sustaining, no ovaries or ERT needed.

Two, fat cells can create and store estrone, a type of estrogen. This can actually cause some women, especially those who are overweight, to have normal or even high estrogen levels following an oophorectomy.

Also, our bodies can continue to make estrogen by converting dietary cholesterol to progesterone, then to testosterone, and finally on to estrogen. Some women’s bodies will be better at this conversion than others.

Finally, there may be an issue with phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) found in foods and supplements. Because phytoestrogens have estrogenic properties, they may help with surgical menopause symptoms but then may also negatively affect any remaining endometriosis.

Additionally, some doctors believe that even if endometriosis does go into a remission type state because of withholding estrogen (or during chemically induced menopause), the implants can plump right back up once estrogen is re-introduced.

Granted, no ovaries does remove the monthly bath of estrogen to the pelvic region which may be beneficial as doses of ERT tend to be lower than what the ovaries make naturally. However, no or low estrogen can also open the door to new health concerns, especially for younger women. Also, finding the right HRT balance (women with endometriosis who use ERT should also consider using progesterone) can be very complex and frustrating.

Each woman must work with her own medical team to determine if an oophorectomy and no estrogen is the right treatment plan for her endometriosis situation. Seeking advice and treatment from an endometriosis specialist may offer the best solutions.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Bret Lewis, M.D. 5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295 (#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004 Atlanta GA 30342 404-255-3633	John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432	Francisco Garcini, M.D. 1870 Silver Cross Blvd Suite 210 New Lenox IL 60451 815-463-3000
David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Elizabeth Case, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811
Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665	Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875

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