LSH: Hysterectomy soon remove all or just one ovary?

Hello! I am 41 yrs old. I have surgery scheduled next month and My doctor first wanted me to consider leaving one ovary only because of the shock to my system of early menopause.

I have had 20 years history of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors, eptopic pregnancies, difficult pregnancies (yes, I have 2 children ). I am now for the past few months been experiencing irregular bleeding and abdominal pain getting more severe than normal, dizzy and lightheadedness.

I have bleeding through my colon during every menstrual cycle due to endometriosis lesions on my colon for the last 16 years. I understand that if I leave an ovary this will not help this issue.

I am trying to decide by Aug 13 the correct path for myself. I am leaning towards removing both ovaries to have the peace of mind. Can anyone out there share their experiences with early menopause? Is it really that bad? Considering my family history (my own test results from last weeks endometrial biopsy are not back yet) my mother had cervical cancer in her early 50's and my grandmother had breast cancer and passed away from it before age 40.

Would you (if you had the chance to do it all over) leave one ovary behind?

Thank you for reading, best wishes to you all! I hope to see some shared experiences ....

Hi Sassifraz,
I am having mine on Aug. 12. Doc is wanting to remove both ovaries. I've suffered from PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal migraines and fertility meds to conceive my 2 children. So, by taking both ovaries this would put me into surgical menopause. I'm concerned too, but I trust my Doc. He has been my doc for 21 years. My family history consists of colon cancer on both sides of the family. Breast cancer on 1 side of family. I myself have already had 1 polyp removed from colon and stomach. He also wants to immediately put me on HRT to control my migraines and menopausal symptoms. I know I haven't had mine yet, but I think with your family history both for your peace of mind.
Don't know if this helps

If I had the opportunity to keep an ovary, I absolutely, unequivocally, without doubt, certainly would have. Here is an article about whether to keep ovaries that may help answer your question. I had my hysterectomy for suspected ovarian cancer, but it turns out that my main problem was stage IV endometriosis. Because of the ovarian cancer scare, I didn't believe I would be able to keep an ovary. When my doc got inside and realized it was endo, he tried to save my right ovary, but the endo had turned them to "mush." He believes he removed all the endo implants so I am now operating under that assumption and am doing HRT which consists of estrogen and progesterone replacement. Surgical menopause hit me bad. It wasn't just the constant hot flashes and nightsweats, it was headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, aches and pains, moodiness, crying, bloating, insomnia, fatigue, etc. Some women don't have it so bad, but you just won't know until you get there. Removal of the ovaries does not guarantee endometriosis will not return. It can make its own estrogen (oophorectomy is not a cure)The only way to get rid of endo is to have all the implants removed by a skilled surgeon (almost always an endometriosis specialist). Remember, just because some members of your family have had certain cancers, doesn't mean you will develop ovarian cancer. If it is of real concern for you, you could have genetic testing as not all cancer predispositions are hereditary. The ovaries play an important role for women even after menopause. Though HRT can help, it isn't the same as what your body makes naturally. Some doctors won't prescribe HRT after a hysterectomy for endo, however, there are many dangers to going without estrogen completely including heart disease and osteoporosis. Removing the ovaries is often just trading one set of problems for another. My best suggestion is to get a second opinion, preferably with an endo specialist before you consider removing a perfectly good ovary. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Elsie,
What if endo is not the only reason for removing your ovaries. I have chronic ovarian cysts whether I take birth control or not. So chronic pain all the time is not pleasant. Any suggestions?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Want2nothurt Any suggestions?

Get a second medical opinion. As (((Elsie))) shared, not having ovaries is a big deal. Recent studies indicate removing the ovaries increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and death--not a very good prognosis if you can avoid it!

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You gals have been helpful. In 2004 during one of my laprascopic endometrial "clean ups" the same gynecologist I have now, had a hard time finding my left ovary as there was so much growth attached to t, it was in bad shape. He had cleaned it up as best as he could. At this point in time my last visit I stated if one ovary looks good I will consider keeping it. Thanks Elsie 1122, I will be reading the articles you shared. Elsie how old are you and how long have you been without your ovaries? Are your menopause symptoms getting any better?

Want2nothurt..good luck! Keep in touch with your story!

Thanks again. I will keep you posted on my final decision and try and get through this waiting until Aug 20 for the surgery!

I was 45 when I had my hysterectomy. I am now 46. My menopause symptoms are definitely better with HRT, but we're still adjusting as my body adjusts. Over 6 months later, things are settling, but there are so many issues. For example, it's hot. When patches get hot they release more estrogen. That means that by the time I'm supposed to change a patch, the estrogen has been depleted to the point that I'm having hot flashes, headaches, and moodiness. It also seems that my skin's ability to absorb the estrogen has changed over the last few months. The other thing is that ovaries respond to stress, illness, etc. Patches and creams do not. It has been and still is an adjustment. Do keep us updated at let us know how you are doing.

Just a quick update...the surgery is 3 days away. After much research I decided to keep one ovary. I admit I have been trying to play it cool but am feeling a little anxious. The five week wait for this surgery has been very hard but looking on the bright side of things, I did have time to research and plan and make frozen homemade meals for my family.

I hope all my previous scar tissue and lesions don't get into the way and this surgery is completed without no complications. I am really tired of thinking and talking about it and just want to do it and get it over with!

My sweet dd at age 12 is the most loving and supportive little girl. I am blessed to have her.

The next time you hear from me will be post op. Thank you for your shared stories and experiences!

I'm so happy to hear that you plan to keep an ovary. It sounds like you are prepared and ready. Best wishes! We'll be waiting for you on this side.

I would try to keep one at your age.