Saving Ovaries, Saving Lives

[Guest guest]

My OBGYN's office sent me this newsletter and I thought I'd share

with the group.

P.S. Chelle I know that you've been debating whether or not to keep

your ovaries and this made me think of you.

Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:09 AM CST

Many women falsely believe that a total hysterectomy implies that

their ovaries will be removed during the procedure. Up until

recently it was common practice to prophylactically remove ovaries to

decrease the risk of ovarian cancer concurrent with hysterectomy for

benign disease in women beyond 45 years of age. A recent study

looked at maximizing survival demonstrated that ovarian conservation

should be practiced until at least age 65. Interestingly women who

had their ovaries removed were more likely to succumb to coronary

heart disease, or hip fracture, especially if they did not receive

estrogen afterwards to compensate for it being lost with this

surgery. Unnecessary fears can be alleviated by clarifying that for

benign uterine disease (eg. Fibroids) only the uterus needs to be

removed, and the ovaries will be spared. They will continue to

function producing female hormones until they cease at their

biologically programmed age of menopause (average age ~51).

Consequently, following hysterectomy most women appreciate the

benefits, primarily relief from their problem periods, yet maintain

their desired feminine characteristics.

However, recommendations differ for women at increased risk for

ovarian cancer. In women carrying breast cancer genes, known as

BRCA, multiple studies have demonstrated that prophylactic removal of

the fallopian tubes and ovaries improves overall survival as well as

reducing cancer specific mortality due to both breast and ovarian

malignancies. An 80% reduction in cancer risk in a recent major

study makes compelling evidence to offer this intervention to at risk

women once they have completed childbearing. A different study

reassures us that offering estrogen short term to these women after

their surgery alleviates distressing premature menopause symptoms

like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, without

compromising the reduction in risk of developing breast cancer. In

most cases, this operation can be accomplished via outpatient,

minimally invasive laparoscopy, which results in less pain and allows

most women to return to regular activities within one week.

So if you are at average risk for breast or ovarian cancer then hold

on to your ovaries. If you have a mother or sister with breast

cancer, then suggest to them to get BRCA tests. If your family

member is a BRCA carrier then you should also be tested. If you are

negative then be reassured you are at average risk. However if you

are a BRCA carrier then you should consider prophylactic surgery to

lower your risk of developing cancer.

Women's Health Specialists

2299 Mowry Avenue, Suite #3C

Fremont, CA 94538

www.WomensHealthFremont.com

Share this newsletter with those you care… sisters, mothers, friends

[Guest guest]

Hey , thanks so much for thinking of me! ;-) Actually, I know for sure I'm not having my ovaries removed. I've never really understood why so many docs remove them routinely. I mean, I do understand when you have history of ovarian cancer in your family, but otherwise, I just don't get it! I'm glad you sent that article in...we have to be as proactive as possible in our healthcare. Those of us on these groups probably are aware of that more-so than others. Take Care,Chelle