The ovaries have an important endocrine function – not only during the reproductive years and the perimenopause, but in the postmenopausal period as well. Oophorectomy prior to the menopause and post-menopause is associated with increased all – cause mortality and significant menopause related morbidity. Hormonal contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, bilateral salpingectomy, tubal ligation, and hysterectomy reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, while preserving the ovaries and their function. Conservative measures, such as weight loss, hormonal contraception and lifestyle advice, are effective in reducing the overall lifetime risk of ovarian cancer.
