Advice needed re:ovary removal

Hi - I've been lurking for several weeks now, but it's time for me to step up. (please excuse my lack of knowledge regarding all of the abbreviations). My surgery, for a total abdominal hysterectomy, is going to be sometime during the week of 7/21. I have been diagnosed with complex hysterplasia with atypia (pre-cancerous). I have been avoiding surgery to try to keep my "parts" for years (even going to the extent of having a uterine prolapse fixed via a suspension, which my previous doctor only half-heartedly agreed to). It was a complete success and continues to be. Now unfortunately I have no choice - I have to have it removed.

I am incredibly freaked out - not sure exactly why - but I really don't want to have this surgery. I will also be having a rectocele repaired

Now the hard part, my doctor has left it entirely up to me to have my ovaries removed. They are healthy and my peri-menopausal symptions have been going for awhile, so I've got to be close to true menopause considering my age. I'm still having somewhat regular periods (altho the hyperplasia has been causing very heavy periods). I have never been too troubled with PMS symptoms either (yes, I know I'm lucky).

All of this, just to ask the question: What is your opinion about removal of ovaries in my situation? Oh, by the way, I'm probably not going to be able to take HRT because of hyperplasia of the breast ((

Thanks for any and all help! Kathy

Sounds like you're a candidate for keeping your ovaries.

I opted to remove my ovaries and take HRT. I was already taking supplemental estrogen prior to my surgery and I wanted to continue. I was having horrible pre-menopause symptoms and feared developing ovarian cancer.

Once the uterus is removed your body needs far less estrogen to function properly. It's possible your pre-menopause symptoms will go away for a little while if your ovaries continue to function the way they are.

Of course, this is something you must discuss with your DR. Are you at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer? How willing are you to risk having surgery later to remove them if that becomes necessary.

In my case, I wasn't making any effort to keep my parts. I wish I could have had this surgery 10 years ago. My hubby and I definately didn't want to keep worrying about future surgeries. We wanted it all over with. Those are my personal reasons for making the decision I did. Your reasons are different. I wish you all the best, whatever you decide.