considering .....

i am 51--have two fibroids and a cyst on one ovary--this is my second cyst had one removed 10 years ago. my doc wants me to have both ovaries removed and the uterus. i will , if i have the surgery go on natural hormones prescribed by a compounding pharmacist. i have not started menapuse--according to the doc--periods are pretty regular but heavy also quite anemic--doc says since i have never had children--my age and the fact that my maternal aunt had ovarian cancer my risk for cancer goes up-and she is strongly suggesting surgery. any opinions?? the pharmacist says wait 3 months continue taking presciption strenth progesterone and see if cyst disappears--i am really torn-anything is welcome Plus i am afraid of hormones because of the serious heart disease in my family--hence the natural--thanks in advance for any input--<email address removed for privacy/safety issues>

Where are you that it's OK for your pharmacist to give medical advice??? If you want a second opinion perhaps you should ask another

I am in a very similar situation. I've got another fibroid (had one removed 11 years ago) and a hemmoragic cyst on one ovary. Also have maternal aunt who died of ovarian cancer and a paternal aunt who had ovarian tumors. I'm 49 years old and have scheduled my hysterectomy for the end of May. I am debating about taking the ovaries because all docs seem to think an Aunt doesn't increase my risk. However, if I do, I will immediately use an estrogen patch. We do have heart disease in my family but the estrogen by itself appears to be the safest way to go. I will only use the hormones for a couple of years and then try to "ease" into menopause, cutting back the patch. If you have ANY questions about hormones I highly recommend Dr. Susan Loves Hormone Book. Even for those of us with hysts coming up...it's got valuable information. Good luck.

the pharmacist is a very good friend and giving advice as any friend would--where am i at?? I am at where i make my own decesions--but i also listen to advice that i ask for--which i think we all need and of course i are going to listen to my doc..

thanks cathy---

Hey Corgi, I loved your reply, but maybe you ought to get that second opinion anyway. I think both your Dr. and pharmacist could be right, but another Dr. might give you a different perspective - one that may not have occured to the other two????? (or even you) Wouldn't hurt, might help.

hugs, val

Plus i Love Tatoos!! I read your profile just now--good luck with your surgery! corgi