Our Summary

This research paper looks at the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who have had their ovaries removed to prevent ovarian cancer, particularly women who carry the BRCA gene mutation. The study looked at 134 women aged 52 years or less who had this procedure done and compared them to 268 similarly aged women who had not. They estimated the 10-year cardiovascular risk using a tool called NORRISK 2, which takes into account factors like age, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, medication, and family history. The study found that the risk of cardiovascular disease was the same for both groups of women. Women who had their ovaries removed had a lower body mass index and waist circumference, and these factors did not increase their risk of heart disease. This was also true whether or not they were using hormone therapy. The conclusion is that having your ovaries removed to prevent ovarian cancer does not increase your risk of heart disease.

FAQs

  1. Does having your ovaries removed to prevent ovarian cancer increase your risk of cardiovascular disease?
  2. Does the use of hormone therapy after salpingo-oophorectomy affect the risk of heart disease?
  3. Does the body mass index or waist circumference of a woman who has had her ovaries removed impact her risk of cardiovascular disease?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about salpingo-oophorectomy is to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before making a decision. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits of reducing the risk of ovarian cancer against the potential risks, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it’s important to follow up with regular screenings and monitoring for any potential health concerns following the procedure.

Suitable For

Salpingo-oophorectomy is typically recommended for patients with a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or carrying the BRCA gene mutation. Additionally, this procedure may be recommended for women with certain gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts or tumors, endometriosis, or chronic pelvic pain. In some cases, salpingo-oophorectomy may also be recommended as part of gender confirmation surgery for transgender individuals.

Timeline

Before salpingo-oophorectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, often due to carrying the BRCA gene mutation.
  2. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including the option of salpingo-oophorectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments, including blood tests, imaging scans, and possibly genetic counseling.
  4. Patient undergoes surgery to remove both the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
  5. Patient may experience post-operative side effects such as pain, fatigue, and changes in hormone levels.

After salpingo-oophorectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored for any complications from the surgery, such as infection or blood clots.
  2. Patient may experience symptoms of surgical menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
  3. Patient may be prescribed hormone replacement therapy to manage menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss.
  4. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their overall health and assess any long-term effects of the surgery.
  5. Patient may be advised to make lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of a salpingo-oophorectomy procedure?

  2. How will removing my ovaries affect my hormone levels and overall health?

  3. Will I need hormone replacement therapy after the surgery?

  4. How will this procedure impact my risk of developing ovarian cancer in the future?

  5. Are there alternative treatments or surveillance options for reducing my risk of ovarian cancer?

  6. How will the removal of my ovaries affect my fertility and menopausal symptoms?

  7. How long is the recovery period after a salpingo-oophorectomy?

  8. Are there any long-term health considerations I should be aware of after this procedure?

  9. Will I need regular follow-up appointments or screenings after the surgery?

  10. How will removing my ovaries impact my risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future?

Reference

Authors: Johansen N, Tonstad S, Liavaag AH, Selmer RM, Tanbo TG, Michelsen TM. Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2020 May;30(5):575-582. doi: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-000856. Epub 2020 Apr 23. PMID: 32332121