At What Age Should The Ovaries Be Removed At Hysterectomy?
Wondering when the ovaries should be removed during a hysterectomy? Learn how age, health risks, and cancer history influence the decision, and what to expect after oophorectomy.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 8th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you or a loved one is considering a hysterectomy—surgical removal of the uterus—you may have questions about whether the ovaries should also be removed. This decision can be confusing, especially since it depends on factors like age, health risks, and personal preferences. Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you understand when ovary removal (oophorectomy) might be recommended.
Understanding Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes due to conditions like:
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Heavy bleeding
Uterine prolapse
Cancer
During this procedure, the surgeon may also remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) and fallopian tubes (salpingectomy). This decision depends on your age, medical history, and risk factors.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Health Advice
Why Remove the Ovaries?
The ovaries produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation, fertility, and overall health. Removing them can have both benefits and risks:
Benefits of Removing Ovaries
Here’s why doctors might recommend ovary removal:
Reduces cancer risk: If you have a high risk of ovarian or breast cancer—due to family history or genetic mutations like BRCA—removing ovaries lowers that risk.
Prevents future surgeries: If you have conditions like endometriosis or cysts, removing ovaries can prevent future problems.
Risks of Removing Ovaries
Removing ovaries—especially at a younger age—can lead to several long-term effects:
Early menopause: If ovaries are removed before natural menopause, sudden hormone loss can cause hot flashes, mood swings, bone loss, and heart risks.
Long-term health effects: Lower estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
At What Age Should Ovaries Be Removed?
The decision varies based on age and individual health:
Before Age 45
Generally, ovaries are kept unless there’s a high cancer risk.
Removing them too early can lead to early menopause and health complications.
Between Ages 45-50 (Perimenopause)
If you’re close to natural menopause, doctors may discuss removing ovaries if there’s a cancer risk or severe endometriosis.
If no major risks, keeping ovaries may still be beneficial for hormone balance.
After Age 50-55 (Postmenopause)
Since ovaries produce very little estrogen after menopause, removing them may not cause major hormonal changes.
If there’s a history of ovarian cancer, removal might be recommended.
Factors That Influence the Decision
Several personal and medical factors come into play when deciding whether or not to remove the ovaries.
1. Family History of Cancer – If you have BRCA gene mutations or a strong family history of ovarian/breast cancer, removal may be advised earlier.
2. Existing Health Conditions – Severe endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain may justify ovary removal.
3. Personal Choice – Some women prefer removal to eliminate cancer risks, while others prioritise natural hormone production.
What to Expect After Ovary Removal?
If your ovaries are removed:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be recommended to manage menopause symptoms.
Bone and heart health should be monitored due to estrogen loss.
Regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential.
Tips for Making the Right Decision
If you’re unsure about removing your ovaries during a hysterectomy, the following steps might help you feel more confident in your choice.
1. Discuss with your doctor – Understand your personal risks and benefits.
2. Consider genetic testing – If cancer runs in your family, genetic counselling can help.
3. Evaluate lifestyle impact – Early menopause may require dietary changes—calcium, vitamin D—and exercise for bone health.
When to Seek Help?
If you’re unsure whether to keep or remove your ovaries during a hysterectomy, consult a specialist. Apollo24|7 offers expert gynaecological consultations to guide you through this decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing whether or not to remove your ovaries during a hysterectomy is a significant decision. While removal might reduce the risk of certain cancers or prevent future surgeries, it also brings hormonal changes that may impact long-term health. Discuss your options in detail with a trusted doctor, consider your age and family history, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. The right choice is the one that aligns with your personal health goals and needs.
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Health Advice
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
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Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
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Dr. Abhishek Daga
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
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Gynae Care Fertility Centre, Kolkata
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Chaitali Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
28 Years • MBBS , MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Kolkata
Roy's Clinic, Kolkata
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Abhishek Daga
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Kolkata
Gynae Care Fertility Centre, Kolkata
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Chaitali Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
28 Years • MBBS , MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Kolkata
Roy's Clinic, Kolkata
