Do ovaries provide a bone benefit elderly women?

Posted by 8fish @8fish, Apr 6 12:50pm

I am in my 70s and may have to have a hysterectomy soon. Should I keep my ovaries so that they can still produce some hormones? I don’t want to let them be removed if they can still help with OP prevention. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can share.

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sondrachristo1 | @sondrachristo1 | Apr 6 6:09pm

@8fish

I doubt that at 70 years old your ovaries are still functioning and producing hormones. So no, they would not be protective of your bones.
Have you gone through menopause? If so, when?
Have you ever had a Dexa to get an idea of your BMD?

njhornung | @normahorn | Apr 6 6:28pm

I found this of interest but have no idea of the validity of its recommendations.
https://www.thecenterforoptimalhealth.org/our-services/menopause---hormone-replacement-therapy/ladies--keep-your-ovaries-.html

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Apr 6 10:01pm

Can you get a consult with a menopause specialist to help you sort through options?

lizzie12 | @lizzie12 | 5 days ago

An interesting question and study. I've wondered about that myself.

jozer | @jozer | 4 days ago

67 year old here; diagnosed with "severe" osteoporosis a year ago. When I had surgery for pelvic floor prolapse (4 years ago) my gynecologist and urogynecologist (surgeon) said that the new thinking is that ovaries are not removed as they still function in a small way. So complete hysterectomy and pelvic floor repair - and ovaries were left. Even though my mother had ovarian cancer I was told most "ovarian" cancer is actually started in the fallopian tubes. So I have nothing left except the ovaries! My doc said the main reason for leaving them behind is for heart disease protection (women without ovaries have poorer heart health apparently), no talk of bone health.