54 and wondering about ovaries

At age 54, I have been told for a long time I am "so close to menopause." Last week I was sure I wanted my ovaries taken out--my mother had ovarian cysts and hysterectomy in her 30's, my best friend died at 50 of ovarian cancer, I've had two first cousins with breast cancer (one died), and perhaps the ovaries won't function well after the hysterectomy anyway. Now I'm wondering if I will be more comfortable to not go through surgical menopause. I'm sure the hysterectomy is a good decision because of fibroids and heavy bleeding, but I'm on the fence about the ovaries. I'd like to hear from my sisters as I continue to do research. Thanks!

I couldn't say if or how much cancer risk you have. I can tell you I had a very bearable natural menopause. Then had my ovaries out. There was a big difference. Hot flashes I could deal with, but the incredible fatigue and brain fog, enough to interfere with my job. I started HRT for the first time. I'd advise before you remove them you ask if you'd be able to take HRT or not. You wouldn't be required to but you might want to in order to function. that's really something to look into ahead of time, and whether HRT would negate the point of removing your ovaries. Good luck with your decision.

I opted to keep mine after looking up the risk factors for ovarian cancer. None in my family history and I fit into every catagory that has a lower risk. I just turned 55 and was still having periods every couple months prior to hysterectomy. As it turned out, they took my left ovary when I went back to the O.R. to stop internal bleeding. Though it wasn't the main source of blood loss the ovary had started bleeding so they took it. I have a few hot flashes but any brain fog I had cleared up after a few weeks. Not sure if that was from anemia, anesthisia, hormone changes or shock to the body.
Both my mom's sisters have had breast cancer so no HRT for me which was why I wanted to keep the ovaries.

Hi Sue! I get frustrated when dr's start quoting stats. I have been told the same thing -- at **51** (the standard age for menopause) that most of my bleeding and fibroid stuff will be taken care of by Mother Nature. My mom bled until she was 63 - and had a hyster then. Apparently she didn't get the "51" memo. (lol) I have Celiac Disease -- a 1:133 chance and is hereditary -- I have no family history. The 1st doc I saw kept saying "51..." yeah, I don't think I want to go through this for another 3 yrs and told them to stop quoting statistics to me. I'm having my ovaries taken out and will start on HRT in the hospital. Good luck!

My family didn't get the memo either. 1 sister 56 major hot flashes daily. 1 sister started menopause after birth of child #2 at 41. I started about 41 also. But I didn't get most the memo's for a lot of other things. Really needed the one about not having gigantic fibroids!!!