Hysterectomy

Surgery to remove the uterus. This is performed primarily for benign conditions and in perimenopausal women whose average age is 45-47. Although fibroids are commonly present, the surgery is most often performed because of inadequately treated menorrhagia or heavy menstrual flow. Hysterectomy is indicated for endometrial cancer and invasive cervical cancer. The ovaries may or may not be removed (ovariectomy), but evidence suggests that even if they remain, ovarian function decreases. Women who have had hysterectomy appear to be at lower risk for breast cancer perhaps because of lower ovarian testosterone production.