Large US population-based databases have estimated the rate of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications to be 46.4%. When stratified by age, the rates of oophorectomy in women 45-49 years is approximately 60%, and in women >55 years is 65-75%. Studies have shown increase in all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular death in women with BSO <50 years. These risks may be modified with hormone therapy. BSO has also been shown to increase risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as increase long-term risks of depressive and anxiety symptoms. While BSO has been shown to reduce incidence of ovarian and breast cancer, there are conflicting studies on the impact of BSO on colorectal and lung cancer. Clinical indications for BSO in premenopausal women include women with increased genetic risk for ovarian cancer (BRCA 1, BRCA 2, and Lynch Syndrome) and endometriosis. For more information:
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