should i keep an ovary

i may have to have a hysterectomy for large fibroids; i am 65 years old; i also have a cyst on my ovary; if i do have the procedure my OB-GYN wants to remove both ovaries and i want to keep one of them; do ovaries still put out some estrogen at age 65? what are the advantages and disadvantages of having the ovaries removed? I don't plan to take Estrogen after surgery.
Thanks in advance.

Hey, my opinion...take them OUT! I wish I would have. Nothing but pain and problems since hyster and then 9 mos later an abdominal cyst removal. I think that they still produce some estrogen at 65 but I think the risks of cancer and cysts are not worth it. But heck, it is just my opinion and being as I am in ovarian pain right now may be why my opinion is to kick them to the curb LOL. Good luck making your decision!

At 65 I don't think the ovaries are doing much. There is a link here somewhere I am sure. TAH/BSO.

ovaries continue to produce small amounts of hormones even after menopause. i personally would keep it if its healthy..our bodies run on hormones. if you feel strongly about it..tell your dr you do not want it removed..its your body and your decision...tell him you want to keep everything thats healthy. probably the most important thing is if you feel strongly about keeping it, dont let yourself be talked into having it removed. good luck with whatever you decide.

My Mum was in her 70's when she had to have her hysterectomy for a HUGE ovarian cyst - prior to surgery they didn't believe it was a cyst it was so huge & we were mightily relieved that was all it was :-)

They told her then that there was no point in keeping her ovaries as they were not doing anything - She was 20+ years post menopause.

http://www.obgyn.net/hysterectomy-re...n_conservation

Please read the article this link points to. It answers your questions about when it is better to remove ovaries ad when they are helpful to you. It seems the answer is after 75 it doesn't matter, before that it can.

Good luck to you - Joanne