Premenopausal women opting to have their ovaries surgically removed have a much greater chance of developing chronic kidney disease according to a recent study from the Mayo Clinic.
The study was one of the first to establish this correlation between ovary removal and enhanced chronic kidney disease risk. The majority of this correlation stems from the subsequent estrogen deprivation faced by those who have removed their ovaries.
Research done in animals has shown that the female hormone estrogen affects the kidneys. In these previous studies, it’s been discovered that they have a protective effect on the kidneys, so it stands to reason that depriving the body of estrogen creates a more hostile environment for the kidneys.
Chronic kidney failure is when the kidney cannot filter blood properly. If they are extremely damaged treatment involves dialysis and kidney transplant.
About thirty million adults in the US have chronic kidney disease and it’s the 9th leading cause of death in this country.
If there is no risk of breast and ovarian cancer, it is not recommended to remove the ovaries as a prevention measure.
The risk of kidney failure was even higher for women younger than 46. Those who had their ovaries removed before 46 had a 7.5 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Although removal of the ovaries is sometimes a route taken by endometriosis sufferers who find themselves in chronic pain, it’s definitely necessary to be advised of the potential downfalls of such a procedure and make an informed choice prior to any surgical procedures.
For more information about risk factors for developing kidney disease and the evolving studies about this topic, be sure to periodically check our articles and videos.
