Hormones already?

Dear Sisters:

My performance at the castle is approaching quickly (Oct. 17). So, I'm trying to get all the details worked out, NOW. Question for those who have been there already:
"If I do decide to have the ovaries taken out, do I start hormone therapy right then? Do I need to get all the info about hormones, etc., before I do the surgery? I appreciate your knowledge and info.
Thanks, CBP

Dear CBP,

Does your doc advise to have your ovaries removed? Do your symptoms warrant it? If your ovaries are healthy & you have no family history of ovarian cancer, you may be a candidate to keep your ovaries. They will continue to dribble out good stuff for you even after menopause.

Keep reading & posting... get smart about your symptoms and your options & make the best choice for YOU.

Sending cyberhugs

There are some reasons to consider removing ovaries. If there is a histroy of ovarian cancer in your family, or if it something you are very worried about. Also, you did not say why you are having the surgery. If you have endo(I have massive endo), you may not want to keep your ovaries. There is one school of thought that believes that the estrogen produced by remaining ovaries can trigger the continued growth of endo implants. There are also women with endo who had everything removed and still had a recurrence of pain.

So, you see, it is a very personal decision. Talk to your Dr about your options and any concerns that are specific to your case.

Good Luck!
Cat

I went back and read your old posts, CBP, and I see that you're having your surgery due to fibroids and not endo. In that case, I tend to agree with Twyla. Your ovaries can continue to provide hormones well after menopause, although in much lesser quantities than they do now. I suspect that your doctor is leaning towards taking them because you are nearing menopause. Read this thread and pay close attention to the post by Savh. She gives some good reasons to consider keeping your ovaries.

It's important to take any information you read here back to your doctor so that together, you can make the decision that is best for you.

Good luck, and best wishes!