Why would the doctor leave the ovaries behind during a hysterectomy?

Age usually: Other than patient preference for leaving them in, age is the usual reason. Taking healthy ovaries out of a young woman gives her instant and usually very symptomatic menopause. Bottom line - need to have a long talk with your obgyn before making this decision.

Very common. : In premenopausal women without a family history of ovarian cancer it is common to leave the ovaries. To remove them causes menopause and is not usually necessary. There are certain conditions when removing the ovaries and a younger patient is also a good idea. For your specific case you would need to speak to a doctor. Hope this helps.