Angelina Jolie has ovaries and fallopian tubes removed

Angelina Jolie has had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

The actress confirmed the news in a piece written for the New York Times.

The US star took the measure last week because she had a gene that gave her a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer.

She concluded: "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'.

"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.

"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. 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.

"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. Knowledge is power."

Jolie had a double mastectomy two years ago because she had a gene which gave her a 87% risk of developing breast cancer.

Watch Angelina Jolie being interviewed below: