Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This surgery may be performed for various reasons, including the treatment of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or other ovarian disorders.
The procedure can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. After an oophorectomy, a woman may experience hormonal changes, especially if both ovaries are removed, leading to symptoms similar to menopause. Hormone replacement therapy may be considered to manage these changes.