Hormonal issues even when keeping ovaries?

I'm scheduled for a TVH but keeping my ovaries. I thought I wouldn't have to deal with any hormonal issues because I'm keeping them. But the more I read on here, the more confused I am! Maybe some of you post-op sisters reading this can help me -- will I still experience hormonal problems even with my ovaries? I'm 41 and not menopausal yet (although I'm beginning to wonder -- some of my symptoms seem rather menopausal).

Hi Mosie7 Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure - everyone's different. If you keep your ovaries, one of several things could happen:

- They could keep functioning exactly as they are now, which means whatever symptoms you're having would continue just as they are. Perhaps you are perimenopausal? I was when I had my surgery (at 45).

- They could shut down for a while due to the disruption in their blood supply caused by the surgery, putting you into surgical menopause just as if they'd been removed. In that case, your DR could, if you are a candidate for using HRT, prescribe some HRT to help with your symptoms. The shutdown, or shock, could be temporary (weeks or months) or permanent.

- They could continue working for a while, and then you could go into "natural" (ie gradual) menopause earlier than you would have otherwise. This is pretty common - the average is a few years earlier than without surgery.

You might want to read some of the Hormone Jungle articles and Hormone Jungle Resources to prepare you in case you find yourself needing help with symptoms... but hopefully you won't.

Good luck with your surgery!
s,
-Linda

Thank you so much for your VERY helpful reply! After reading so much on the site, I think I may have some perimenopausal symptoms. But knowing some of the possible outcomes of keeping my ovaries is helping make a more informed decision with this surgery and what to expect afterwards. Thank you!