However, little is known about its effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after surgery. The investigators hypothesize that it will inhibit the normal physiologic HPA surge and reduce cortisol levels post-operatively ia a dose-dependant fashion. To answer this question, the investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial with two different doses of dexamethasone in women undergoing elective gynecologic laparotomy.