5 Feb TAH/BSO ~ when can I expect menopausal symptoms?

Hello out there - I'm so thankful I found this site; it's already helped tremendously since my unplanned TAH-BSO on February 5. I went in for a physical the first part of January and my PCP felt a mass in my abdomen. She ordered a CT scan which revealed a 12 x 16 cm mass, which seemed to originate from my right ovary. I had no clue it was there - no symptoms, pain, abnormal bleeding . . . nothing. In fact, I was so regular I could literally time my periods down to the hour.

Back to my story . . . my doctor referred me to a specialist, and I subsequently scheduled surgery to remove the mass. Turns out the mass originated on my left ovary, and my right ovary also had a cyst, as well as some small fibroids on my uterus. So, the surgeon removed everthing, including my cervix. Good news is the pathology report came back that everything is benign. However, here I am - 44 years and in surgical menopause. I thought I'd come out of surgery with one ovary and was fine with that thought - my Mother and sister each had one ovary removed when they were younger and I thought that my case would follow similarly.

I haven't noticed any menopausal symptoms yet. I know everyone's different but am curious as to when I can expect to experience symptoms?

I have a three-week follow up with the surgeon next week. Would also welcome any suggestions on questions to ask.

Thanks sisters! jmed, TAH-BSO 2/5/8

	Quote:
Originally Posted by jmed Hello I haven't noticed any menopausal symptoms yet. I know everyone's different but am curious as to when I can expect to experience symptoms? I have a three-week follow up with the surgeon next week. Would also welcome any suggestions on questions to ask. Thanks sisters! jmed, TAH-BSO 2/5/8

Hi

I think as far as menopausal symtoms, everyBODY is different... my case is somewhat similar to yours in that my surgery was also a 'surprise'. I have been on HRT since the being in the hospital, I think that may be the reason i'm not really feeling anything, I also think or at least believe, now from reading posts here that IF even 1 ovary was left then the body has a tendancy to go into shock mode!

I asked my surgeon at 6 weeks when to expect the "bad" symptoms to start - she said I would have had them by that time.
Last week (post-op 3 months) at my Dr's I asked "when is the other shoe is going to drop" (meaning worse symptoms) and she said it won't now - I would have had them by now. Since everyone is so different hopefully you'll experience the same!! I hope so - other than the occassional personal summer it's been good!

Welcome to HysterSisters

I had a TAH/BSO planned, but not really
I am 34 and sadly at 3.5 weeks the Hot Flashes hit. I had night sweats only a little up until then. Now I am just plain sweaty then cold 24/7. I can't wait for the AZ summer. I have a feeling the cold part won't be a problem then. I hope that you can escape them. Like the others said everyone is quite different. Estrogen is stored in fat cells, so I am assuming that everyone uses that at a different rate. I think genetics also plays a role.

Best Wishes

I remember mild but noticeable hot flashes right after surgery, and these continued for months but have never been a problem. Better yet, they seem to be diminishing now--and I am not on any hrt beside Estrace vaginal creaam for vaginal dryness. Every woman is different, and only time will tell how it will be for YOU.

Like others have mentioned everyone is different My surgeon told me that if I didn't have symptoms in the first few days I wouldn't have them. For me - being a "fluffy sister" and having PCOS with a over-production of estrogen - fat cells not only store estrogen - they actually convert androgens (another hormone) to estrogens as well...it eventually becomes minimal but may be enough to avoid horrible symptoms. I have been taking soy suppliment (plant estrogens) and the night sweats I have had since before my surgery are GONE!
Good luck and happy healing!
Trish

Hi Jmed,
I was doing OK until the 4th week when I bottomed out. Hair thinning, headaches, night sweats, acne, nausea, insomina and finally the wonderful witchy/blubbery personality changes. Called the DR on Wednsday and started Estrace (1mg) on Friday. The nurse said it may take 2 weeks to feel any significant change. I'm starting to feel "calmer" already. Best wishes!!