is one ovary any help

I a scheduled to have my hysterectomy in March because of Endo. My doctor reccomends removing the left avary because the pain is constant on that side. He has given me the option of keeping or removing the other ovary, if it looks good when he gets inside. He also said he goes back and removes the ovary in 1 out of 10 patients. Is keeping one ovary worth it? Will it produce enough hormones or will I still need some type of replacement therapy.:dragon: I've heard arguments on both sides from nurses. Thanks for any helpful information.

Hi,
I had my right ovary removed about 7 years ago. I kept the left and have had NO problems at all. It has worked just fine and I didn't need any type of hormone therapy. Now I have to have a TAH and it will be removed
I have a cyst on the ovary along with endo. and my mother died from ovarian cancer. My opinion is if it is healthy and you aren't having any problems, I would keep it.
Good luck on your decision, I know that every situation is a little different.
Keep me posted,
Donna

Thank you for your help. You are truly a rincess: When is your TAH? I will keep you in my prayers.

Hi,

I agree with the previoius post in terms of your ovary being of use to you. One ovary is plenty in terms of hormones as long as it is working properly. If you are young, you might want to keep it. If you are nearing menopause you might want to remove it due to the kinds of problems mentioned by Sunny.

Hi there! I am 47 yrs old. When I was 35 I had my
left ovary removed. I had a twelve pound cyst on it!
For the past twelve years I have had no problems.
Five weeks ago I had to have my uterus and cervix
removed due to fibroids.
At first I assumed I would also lose my right ovary.
However, my doctor said that ten years ago, she would
have taken it. But now due to recent research she
believes that even after you go thru menopause the ovary
continues to contribute to some hormones.
I have not gone thru menopause yet.
She said that when she was in there (I had a TAH) she
would evaluate the ovary and decide whether it had to
go or not. Once in, the ovary had a small cyst. She
actually called the pathologist in to OR and he felt
it was not a cyst that would grow (like my first one)
to huge proportions. I was so thankful that I kept my'
ovary and did not have to worry about surgical menopause
in addition to recuperating from surgery.
My doctor did say that even if my ovary did become a liability eventually, laproscopic surgery would take care
of it, if I made sure i had my annual checkups.
This is so important ladies! That is why I had a twelve
pound cyst before. I was not going for my checkups. I
was gaining weight, and kept going on diets. I had NO
pain. The only symptom was my expanding tummy. Eventually,
due to diets, I had skinny skinny legs and arms and a big
tummy. My husband then made me go to the doctor. He took
one look at me and sent me to a surgeon. That xmas I had
to go to the xmas party in a maternity dress.
Talk about denial!!! Ladies, if you keep your ovaries
make sure your checkups are regular.
Pam

I must join the ranks of those that are glad they kept an ovary. I went to surgery expecting to keep both of them, but when the Dr. went in, he saw that the left ovary was adhered to my uterus and was not functional. When I woke up, he explained that one ovary can indeed do the work of two.

I was 43 at the time of my hyst, and not showing any signs of menopause. Pam is right about ovaries continuing to produce some hormones even after menopause. As one sister here said, it is far easier to supplement your own hormones than replace them entirely.

Good for you for wanting to make an informed decision... I hope you will make the choice that is right for YOU!

My very best to you...

Linda