why keep ovaries?

I'm 43. I've been having irregular periods since 40. Are my ovaries still working--well enough to keep him? Is it worth it to keep them until hormone therapy is absolutely needed?

If you have ovaries---how will you know when you need HRT? I have no signs of menopause except periods only a few times/year. No hot flashes, etc.

I was just reading an article out of Good Housekeeping. About heart health. There is a section for hysterectomies!! I was amazed. It says that if you have your ovaries removed at age under 50 a woman would have a 98% higher risk of heart disease. It goes on to mention a lot of women worry about ovarian cancer, but it says there is less then 1% lifetime risk of getting that cancer. unless you have a relative who had ovarian cancer, then you may want to think about having them removed. Hope that helps you in your choice.

Personally, I am 35 and will be leaving my ovaries.

I had to have my right ovary removed, because the dermoid cyst basically destroyed it, but I kept my left ovary...

I didn't want to go on hormones, or deal with menopause at 43. My LSH was 12/22/09 & my left ovary seems to be working just fine... no menopause signs at all, and about 1/2way through what would have been my "normal cycle" my discharge got thick & stretchy indicating ovulation... I don't have to deal with a history of ovarian cancer, & after lots of research I just saw so many benefits to keeping my ovary...

Hi Hyst4mee,

The ovaries secrete important hormones that help with the bones, skin and hair to name a few. And newer studies are showing that by keeping the ovaries after a hyst...it does help with heart health. And studies are also showing that the ovaries secrete their important hormones well into menopause. In pre-op, my Dr. told me that 5% or less of women get ovarian cancer. That was good odds for me. I did not want to remove my healthy ovaries to prevent something that might never happen.

In the end...just do what is *best* for you.

Best wishes~

Mary

I am 58 and post menopausal. My dr. told me she wants to leave my ovaries because they still secrete some helpful hormones. I am lucky and never needed to take any hormone therapy.

When I first started with hot flashes years ago I bought some menopause packets from GNC which included some natural herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and soy along with vitamins and calcium.

My opinion is if your ovaries are healthy, it's more beneficial to keep them.

hyst4me -

Here's an article from our pre-op section you may find helpful Keeping Ovaries?

Personally if I could have kept my ovaries I would have, but with a cancer dx my gyn-onc wouldn't allow me to do it. Although even now that is changing especially for younger women depending on type of cancer.

As some have pointed out the ovaries produce hormones after menopause just not as much. Also sometimes it can be difficult to find the right HRT balance.

Research as much as possible, talk to your Dr. and be comfortable with your decision.



G

Thanks for all the responses. I did read something that even if needed HRT, its never as good as "natural". So I hope to keep mine!