HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy

SHARING IS CARING

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS)

From the Separate Surgeries Articles List

I had a bilateral oophorectomy but a recent ultrasound indicates I have an ovary. Has anyone ever heard of a regenerating ovary? Can an ovary really grow back? What do I do now?


Shockingly enough, ovaries can grow back! While they don't regenerate whole, fully-formed ovaries that make follicles, they can regenerate ovarian masses that secrete hormones. The phenomenon is called Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS).

In fact, any type of glandular tissue, including adenoids and tonsils, can grow back. All it takes is a few stray cells left behind during surgery. Because glandular tissue is kind of spongy or fluffy, it can be virtually impossible for a surgeon to know with certainty that every single cell was removed. If even a tiny bit of ovary is left behind, it can re-grow and even produce estrogen.

Those with extensive adhesions, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may have a higher risk for ORS. Adhesions in particular can cause pieces of the ovary to be inadvertently left behind on the organ to which they had been attached.

Symptoms of ORS can include chronic pelvic pain, cyclic pelvic pain, difficult or painful intercourse, and painful urination and bowel movements. A lack of surgical menopause symptoms may also indicate there is an estrogen producing remnant present.

To help diagnosis ORS, your doctor may order an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to try to detect the remnant. Blood work to check your FSH (follicle-stimulating hormones) and estradiol levels may also be needed.

Treatment options for ORS can include surgery to remove the “new” ovary, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist such as Lupron to suppress the ovary, birth control pills to stop the function of the ovary, or pain medications to manage any pain symptoms.



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.



SHARING IS CARING

Do you have a question?

If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!

HysterSisters Free Hysterectomy Booklet What 350,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy with pages of information, helpful tips and hints to prepare and recover from hysterectomy. Free download for members.

HysterSisters Articles

Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon

Jonas Wilson-Leedy, M.D. 71 Prospect Avenue Hudson NY 24016 518-828-1400	Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888	Geoffrey Cly, M.D. Suite 101, 11123 Parkview Plaza Drive Fort Wayne IN 46845 260-969-5530
Lori Warren, M.D. 3900 Kresge Way Suite 30 Louisville KY 40207 502-891-8700	Joseph S. Valenti, M.D. 2805 S. Mayhill Road Denton TX 76208 940 591-6700	Eric Grossman, M.D. 903 Sheppard Road Voorhees NJ 08043 (856) 772-2300
Caren C Reaves, M.D. Caring for Women 2805 S. Mayhill Rd Denton TX 76208 940-591-6700	Jack Ayoub, M.D. 44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 435 Leesburg VA 20176 703.858.5599	Clifford Rogers, M.D. The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology 1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120 Everett WA 98201 425 339 5424