Earlier this month, Angelina Jolie denied reports of her putting off cancer surgery for another baby and she has just confirmed that she is now in menopause period. In an open letter to NY times, titled "Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery", she opened up about how a surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes following a cancer scare resulted in her having early menopause.
"There was a small benign tumor on one ovary, but no signs of cancer in any of the tissues," she recalled. "I chose to keep my uterus because cancer in that location is not part of my family history".
"It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer. I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, 'Mom died of ovarian cancer,' " the 39-year-old actress went on explaining. "Regardless of the hormone replacements I'm taking, I am now in menopause. I will not be able to have any more children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared."
Compassionate as always, Jolie went on writing, "I feel deeply for women for whom this moment comes very early in life, before they have had their children. Their situation is far harder than mine." She also shared, "I inquired and found out that there are options for women to remove their fallopian tubes but keep their ovaries, and so retain the ability to bear children and not go into menopause. I hope they can be aware of that."
Jolie, moreover, explained, "It is not easy to make these decisions. But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue. You can seek advice, learn about the options and make choices that are right for you." She then concluded, "Knowledge is power."
