Every day up to two-thousand women have hysterectomies. Many of these women also choose to have their ovaries taken out at the same time to remove their risk of ovarian cancer. But for younger women who are not at high risk for ovarian cancer, doctors at Mayo Clinic are saying, "not so fast."

Two studies show that keeping your ovaries until after menopause may protect you from memory problems and Parkinson's disease.

Natasha Mott-Hensrud is married, has three kids, is a nurse and still fits in time for home cooked meals.

So when symptoms of heavy bleeding slowed her down, she went to Mayo Clinic where her gynecologist made the diagnosis: fibroids in the uterus.

The bleeding needed to be treated. Natasha considered having a hysterectomy and initially planned to have her ovaries removed at the same time.

But Dr. Bobbie Gostout let her know that the decision is not that simple. You see, many women also have their ovaries removed because it cuts their risk of ovarian cancer. But ovaries produce estrogen, a hormone with many known health benefits. It protects against cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Now two new Mayo Clinic studies show that estrogen may also protect a woman's brains.

"We discovered that if the ovaries were removed early in life there was almost a doubling of the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia and Parkinsonism,” says dr. Walter Rocca.

Dr. Rocca says if women have their ovaries removed before menopause, they should consider hormone therapy to reduce the risk of these neurologic diseases. This is information all women should know as they consider the risks and benefits of surgery and which option is right for them.

"What was most right for me was to proceed with the hysterectomy but at all costs, conserve as much ovarian function as possible," says Dr. Rocca.

Dr. Gostout says some pre-menopausal women, especially those at high risk of ovarian cancer, may still want to have their ovaries removed. But others should consider the health benefits of keeping them before they make their decision.

For more information, Visit the Mayo Clinic Website at www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge.