Lorraine Kelly shared a huge health update as she finally returned to ITV on Monday morning after weeks off screen – and revealed a life-changing impact after having her ovaries removed.
The 65-year-old revealed that she underwent preventative keyhole surgery to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries earlier this month, and has been off our screens recovering.
Today (Monday 19 May), Lorraine returned to her hosting role on ITV’s Lorraine, but before presenting the programme, she appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain to open up about how she’s feeling.
Lorraine, who was in hospital for one night and had two weeks of recovery, explained that she had a burst cyst on a flight coming back from India.
She had a scan and her doctor noticed something on her other cyst, so they removed it to be safe.
GMB presenter Susanna pointed out that it has reduced the risk of cancer, to which Lorraine said: It’s gone! I have to take tiny amounts of testosterone.’
Lorraine Kelly reveals life-changing impact of having her ovaries removed as she returns to ITV after weeks off screen with huge health update
The 65-year-old has returned to our screens after two weeks off after an operation to remove a cyst
She added that it was a ‘teeny tiny’ amount and she has to do it to ‘balance it out’.
It comes after Lorraine issued a health update on social media.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lorraine revealed when fans can expect to see her back on their screens.
Posting a pH๏τo of herself and granddaughter Billie at a private clinic, she penned: ‘I had my check up l today and the fabulous @ahmed_raafat_gynaecologist_ says I can go back to work on Monday – as long as I take it easy.
‘Billie obviously loved him. Huge thanks to Mr Rafaat and his top team who’ve chosen to work here and help us – from countries like Croatia, Nepal and all over Europe, Africa and the Caribbean – what on earth would we do without you.’
Lorraine Kelly has issued a new health update on Instagram on Thursday as she confirmed a date for her return to work after undergoing emergency surgery
The veteran ITV presenter, 65, underwent preventative keyhole surgery to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries earlier this month (pictured from her hospital bed)
She has since taken time away from her name-sake daytime show to recover, with guest hosts stepping in to cover her beloved show
It comes after Lorraine revealed her plans return to work as she shared a beaming pH๏τograph on Sunday with her baby granddaughter after a surgery scare.
She posted a pH๏τo of herself and granddaughter in bed with the caption: ‘Thanks so much for all your get well wishes.
‘Billie providing the best medicine ever with lots of cuddles for her granny.
‘Hopefully back to work on Monday. I’ve missed you.’
However, Lorraine was ultimately unable to host her show on Monday, with Kate Garraway stepping in.
Lorraine previously shared a video from her hospital bed on May 3, revealing that she was having the operation.
Reᴀssuring fans, she explained she was being well looked after and that the surgery was for ‘purely preventative’ reasons, after she’d been unwell for some time.
She then confirmed on May 4 that she was back home and recuperating as she heaped praise on the hospital staff and her surgeon for being so ‘kind’ and ‘caring’.
The host shared a snap of herself surrounded by healthcare professionals, sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a T-shirt paying tribute to her late friend Dame Deborah James.
Read More Lorraine Kelly issues health update to fans from her bed as she recovers after surgery 
While last week, Lorraine revealed some positive news to her social media followers and even gave an exciting update on her popular programme.
She said: ‘Thanx for all your lovely messages I’m recovering well. So proud of my top team – punching above our weight and bucking the trend.
‘Just heard our ratings are up – we had the highest March for four years. Thanks @vixkennedy and the gang! Always know how to cheer me up [love heart]’
The procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes is known as an laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
It is typically done preventively to remove the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
According to the NHS, it is suggested you stay off work for two to four weeks after having the surgery, meaning Lorraine may have to take a break from presenting her daytime show.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 10:00am on ITV.
PREVENTATIVE SURGERY: A DOCTOR EXPLAINS ALL…
Ms Deborah Bruce, Consultant Gynaecologist at London Bridge Hospital explains more about this type of surgery…
Why would someone get the procedure?
A women would request this surgery and obtain it if her and her gynaecologist, after detailed discussion and weighing up the pros and cons, decide that her risk of developing ovarian cancer outweighs the risk of surgical menopause.
What does it involve?
It would involve usually a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also be performed by an open procedure but this would involve more risks to the patient and a longer recovery period.
What is the recovery time afterwards?
After a laparoscopy, which is usually a day case procedure, recovery should be quicker and easier than an open procedure which would involve an overnight stay of two to three nights. After a laparoscopy, most women are back to full activities within 4-6 weeks, compared to a laparotomy which can take up to 3 months.
What can be some of the side effects of having your ovaries removed?
The main risk of removing the ovaries in a premenopausal woman is inducing a surgical menopause which would be ᴀssociated with all the complications of a natural menopause; H๏τ flushes, night sweats, increased risk of osteoporosis/ cardiovascular disease, uro-genital issues such as vaginal dryness. Often the symptoms such as H๏τ flushes are more severe following a surgical menopause than a natural menopause.
What could also be some of the emotional fall out?
The main emotional issues surround fertility, however if a woman has completed her family, this is less of a risk.
What are the main symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The problem with ovarian cancer is that the symptoms – if any – often present late in the process of ovarian cancer. The main symptoms, should they occur are swelling in the abdomen, weight gain, bloating or irritable bowel like symptoms.
How is ovarian cancer normally diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer is normally diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, scans and surgery. Like any cancer, it can only be 100% confirmed after surgical removal and histological examination. However, a blood test called Ca-125 is usually raised with ovarian cancer, and certain ultrasonographic changes can increase the index of suspicion. An MRI scan is often also performed to investigate further and exclude metastases (to determine if the cancer has spread or not).
What is the role of genetics in the development of ovarian cancer?
There is an ᴀssociation between BRCA1 and 2 genes and the development of ovarian cancer. This only contributes 5-10 % of all ovarian cancers. However, if the BRCA1 gene is present 39% of women will develop Ovarian cancer by the age of 70 years. The risk is less – 11-17% with BRCA2. These genes can be screened for in the presence of a positive family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, but there are pros and cons to knowing your status.
Do you have any advice or tips to help reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer?
Other factors that have been shown to alter the risk of developing ovarian cancer include the number of ovulatory menstrual cycles a women has in her lifetime – the more she has the greater the risk, hence late menarche, early menopause, pregnancy and breast feeding are all protective against this disease. The combined oral contraceptive pill is also protective as it stops ovulation. Tubal ligation and hysterectomy have also been shown to reduce the risk.
Some environmental factors such as the use of talcum powder have been ᴀssociated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer as well as some herbicides and pesticides. HRT has also been shown to increase the risk.
