Ovaries

Mantra

Does anyone have any information about the risks of heart attacks associated with removing ovaries (even post menopausal)? This is the one and only reason I'm hesitant to remove my ovaries (I'm 59). My gyno seems a little to anxious to remove them but I'm not sure it's the right move. Breast Cancer, caught just in time colon cancer, cervical cancer . . . and am hoping to avoid ovarian cancer but I don't want a heart attack either. Has anyone else talked to their gyno about this? I'm BRCA 1 & 2 negative.

Leah_S

Mantra, if you're 59 then I assume you're post-menopause. The studies that I've seen showing an increase in heart problems following oophorectomy pertain to women who are put into surgical menopause by the oophorectomy and are pre-menopausal by over 10 years.

Why does your doc think you're at high risk for ovarian ca if you're BRCA-? Is there a family hx of it? I had my ovaries removed post-meno (also at age 59) but despite being BRCA- I have a strong family hx of breast & ovarian ca.

Best of luck in your decision.

Leah