Ovary removal, also known as oophorectomy, is surgery to take out one or both of a woman's ovaries. It is a common procedure performed for various reasons, including ovarian cancer, cysts, endometriosis, and prophylactic removal to decrease cancer risk.
The ovaries serve several important functions in the body. The primary roles of the ovaries are to produce eggs for reproduction and secrete hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are essential for regulating a woman's menstrual cycle, developing female sex characteristics during puberty, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining bone and heart health.
After one ovary is removed, the remaining ovary can usually compensate and continue producing adequate hormones. For most women under 40 years old, removal of one ovary should not cause long-term hormone issues or need for replacement. The remaining ovary increases its hormone production to make up for the missing ovary. As long as one ovary is intact, estrogen and progesterone levels typically remain in the normal range.
Some key points about hormone changes after losing an ovary:
- Women under 40 years old are less likely to need hormone replacement with one ovary removal. Their remaining ovary can ramp up hormone production.
- Women 40 and older are more likely to experience hormone imbalance after one ovary is taken out. The remaining ovary may not produce enough hormones due to natural decreases with age.
- Losing both ovaries requires hormone replacement therapy (HRT). With no ovaries left, the body cannot produce any ovarian hormones like estrogen or progesterone. HRT provides these hormones.
- Symptoms of low estrogen after ovary removal may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Progesterone helps regulate menstrual cycles, so dropping levels can cause irregular periods.
- Hormone levels can be monitored through blood tests to determine if replacement is needed after surgery. Doctors may check FSH, estrogen, and AMH levels.
- HRT options include estrogen or progesterone pills, patches, gels, vaginal rings, or pellet implants. A progestin may be given with estrogen for women with a uterus to prevent cancer.
- Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy after ovary removal. Consider your age, type of surgery, and symptoms when deciding about replacement hormones.
So in summary, most younger women under 40 do not require HRT after one ovary removal. Older women closer to menopause are at higher risk of hormone deficiency from single ovary removal and may benefit from short-term hormone replacement, especially if experiencing low estrogen symptoms. Monitoring hormone levels and working closely with your gynecologist or endocrinologist will guide the treatment plan that is right for your specific health needs.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we specialize in helping women balance their hormones at all stages of life. Our compassionate, knowledgeable physicians and nurse practitioners have extensive experience working with patients after procedures like ovary removal. We offer cutting-edge testing to evaluate hormone status, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and more. Based on test results and symptoms, we can customize natural or bioidentical hormone replacement including pills, patches, gels, and pellet therapy. Balance Hormone Clinic also provides nutrition counseling, stress management, and fitness guidance for comprehensive hormone wellness. We are here to support you before and after ovary removal surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! Our goal is to restore your hormonal harmony and help you feel your best.
