Upcoming hysterectomy: Severe PMS - pros and cons re keeping ovaries?

Hello,

I'm due to have a hysterectomy for continuous fibroids and adeno. I've suffered with PMS since I began my periods at at 11, I'm now 44 and am at the end of the road with all this pain and hormonal inbalance.

My consultant is planning to keep both my ovaries intact but remove my uterus and cervix. I've been so down prior to this period which has just started and it's completely affecting all areas of my life.

I've read elsewhere that if you keep both ovaries it's likely that you may still have PMS symptoms if you suffered prior to hystorectomy.

Has anyone on here got any experience of this or any advice re. pro's and cons of keeping ovaries re. PMS. I'm not sure I'm ready for Menopause at 44 but can't imagine going through the hell of pms any longer.

Any words of wisdom will be so gratefully received..

Mel :-)

Hi MeIF7 -

I did not have severe PMS, but lost my ovaries with my TAH BSO at age 46. Surgical menopause for me was MISERABLE. I take HRT, and that gave me my life back. But, if I had a choice I would have kept my ovaries if I could have (I did not have a choice).

My understanding is that the PMS symptoms you had before your surgery will continue after your surgery if you keep your ovaries. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of keeping your ovaries for your long term health.

Try reading some of the publications by Dr. John Studd of the UK. He is one of the world's leading PMS specialists and his insights on this condition are very informative.

My primary reason for seeking medical help was my severe PMS/PMDD, which, in my case, is due to progesterone intolerance. I've tried diet, antidepressants, exercise, and several other strategies, but that awful anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and instability still come back every month. For my part, I am scheduled for a hysterectomy at the end of the month, and I plan to have my ovaries out as well. I am tired of putting myself back together every month only to fall apart again due to PMS.

I second the notion to talk to your doctor. The best thing you can do is to make the best informed decision for your particular situation.

Thanks to you both for these responses. I've been slotted in for surgery this coming Monday and it's unlikely I'll get to have any lengthy kind of conversation with my surgeon before the op. I can completely relate to you Donnaguska as i've suffered so much with the hell of pms I can't bear the thought of having this big op without an end to this misery. When I mentioned pms to my surgeon earlier in the year he merely said that the site for the ovaries to focus on will be removed so my symptoms should be much improved. I guess at this stage, I'll have to take his word for it! I'm so relieved and scared all at once that my op is so near, but really can't wait for an end to the pain caused by fibroids and adeno..even if I do have some symptoms of pms I very much look forward to no more periods..EVER!! my mood's already shifted with that thought! Thanks again for the words of wisdom and sharing your experiences with me.

I'll check out what Dr Studd has to say about PMS too (is that his real name?!)

Yes, it really is his name. I heard about him through a blog called Ms. Jekyll and Hyde, written by a woman who suffered from PMDD. She had a hysterectomy her early thirties. Her surgery was a complete success, and once she balanced her HRT, she found that her energy and overall well-being improved immensely. Her story is very reassuring.

I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery is fast and uneventful. Best of luck to you.

Chiming in here as one who kept both her ovaries, and my pre-menstrual symptoms continued post-surgery. However, I did not have crippling PMDD, just typical sore chest and rotten mood for a few days.

Well, I'm certainly coming round to the realisation that I do in fact have PMDD and not just PMS..I wonder if the removal of 1 ovary would significantly alter symptoms? Think I'll put up another post with this question (although pain due to fibroids adeno etc. is a really large factor for me) At 44 with a hectic work and home life I just don't feel ready to go through menopause. Although the hell I go through every month (and my partner suffers through) might actually be worse!

Thanks :-)

I asked my surgeon if removing one ovary would relieve the PMDD symptoms. She said it wouldn't because the ovary would still produce progesterone, which triggers the PMDD. I've heard that some PMDD sufferers experience some relief from symptoms if one ovary is retained and is shocked into inactivity by surgery. However, the symptoms tend to come back once it recovers. I don't want to take that chance. If I'm going in for such a big surgery, I want it to take care of the PMDD.

I will be on HRT to help with the menopause symptoms and for health reasons. I've heard great things about a balanced HRT regimen, so I am optimistic.