Pre-op decisions

Today I met with my GYN and we made the decision to move forward with a hysterectomy sometime in August. I will be 49 next month and still have regular periods. I have always had heavy bleeding but the past 6 months I have started having extreme cramps that I have never suffered from previously. My bladder has started to prolapse the past 2 cycles. The heavy bleeding has caused anemia. I have always suffered from PMS/PMDD and take 20mg of Serafem daily for 8 years now. It doesn't seem to be working any longer. My mood changes drastically to the point I feel I am crazy 2 weeks prior to period starting. The bleeding is so bad, I have to time my outings and avoid going places when ever I can, afraid to be too far away from the bathroom. My GYN and family doctor both agree because of my age I should just get my ovaries removed. Everything I have read this will definitely put an end to my PMS/PMDD. This will be wonderful as I am tired of suffering and having it interfere with my quality of life. One of the reasons my GYN is suggesting to remove my ovaries as well is because I have had 2 C-sections and then the hysterectomy will make 3 abdominal surgeries. If I keep my ovaries and have to end up having them removed in the future that would be my 4th abdominal surgery. My family doctor said just have everything done at once and that will be 2 less organs to worry about getting cancer. Of course my worries are going into instant menopause and the need for HRT. I am the kind I'd rather do everything naturally and avoid taking unnecessary medications. Has anyone ever had a radical hysterectomy and not taken hormones? Please share your experience. I am concerned about weight gain, loss of libido , mood swings etc... If I do need HRT what is the most natural? What will help me not gain weight? I do look forward to life without heavy bleeding, getting my anemia under control, living without pain and finally be done with PMS/PMDD. But what new problems will these be substituted with. So much to consider....thank goodness I have time to make the best educated decision.

Welcome to HysterSisters! You don't have a hysterectomy date mentioned in your profile (click here to add it if you know what it is!)

For helpful information and resources you will find specific help by clicking these links: for Treatment Options, for Pre-Op Or for Post-Op.

You will find wonderful information in our Hysterectomy Checkpoints.

For more information about managing your journey around the site, visit New Here. General answers to basic questions about the site can be found in our FAQ.

If you need resources for managing menopausal symptoms with or without hormone therapy, visit our Hormone Jungle page for helpful information.

We have a specialty forum for Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues that you will find helpful.

We are glad you registered!

Again, welcome to HysterSisters!

P.S. This is our "Introduce Yourself" forum and its purpose is to point you in the proper direction for the best support for your needs. Only staff can reply here for the purpose of helping you find your way around the HysterSisters.com website. Support by our members is offered in our support forums (links in this reply above) where you can ask your specific questions and receive replies from our members. We look forward to seeing you on the support boards of this site!

We're very glad you've joined and hope you'll benefit from the wealth of information and support here.

Princess Ruby has linked our Pre-Op Page above, which is packed with information, but please feel free to start a new thread (just as you did here) in the <link> Pre-Op Support Forum where others can share their experiences.

Just to clarify and ensure the correct replies when you post your concerns in the support forums, a "radical" hysterectomy is performed where there is a cancer diagnosis or suspicion, with the additional removal of lymph nodes and the upper portion of the vagina. A "partial" hysterectomy leaves the cervix in place, whereas a "total" removes the entire uterus including the cervix. Removal of both ovaries is a separate procedure called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (or BSO), which can be carried out at the same time as a hysterectomy. Hope that helps!

We're sending all good wishes and positive thoughts!