Should I remove the ovaries or not?

I have an enlarged uterus and fibroids. I have been quite uncomforable for some time, with lower stomach pain, hip and pain down my right leg.
I am 46, closer to 47, very healthy, love yard work and having fun with my family and friends. I have experienced over the past year night sweats and hot flashes.
I have never been in the hospital except to have my 2 children. Now I have a decision to make, as far as my doctor can tell from the ultrasound my ovaries look good. He says that if I want to leave them in he will, if they appear healthy or I could go ahead and remove it all. I had a cyst to burst on one of my ovaries about a year ago, very painful and scary.
I do not want to have to go back and have another surgery and out of about 8 women I have talked with, that is what happened to them.
Have any of you been face with this decision? If so, what did you do and how has your life been effected.
I'm just looking for a little peace of mind.

I just had to reply to this post as you sound like me about a year ago. I also had an enlarged uterus, fibroids, in pain, bleeding heavily and anemic. I also had a cyst on my ovaries at one time but it was removed just before it burst. I was enduring the hot flashes and night sweats too. I had my LAVH on March 12th and I am a new person. Yes, the dr went ahead and removed my ovaries, and I am now on the V-dot patch. The patch was put on in the recovery room after my surgery and I have not had a hot flash or night sweat since. I only have to remember to change my patch twice a week and I have done it enough now that it is part of my weekly routine. I am so glad things were done like they were. My husband says I am more fun to be around too!

Sounds the same as I was. I am 48 and had also already been having the hot flashes and night sweats. I opted to have my ovaries removed, so I could just get on with the HRT. I was started on the Premarin, but am now trying samples of Esclim and Climara. I still occasionally have hot flashes, but everything is much better than it was. I am 7 weeks post op. and feeling better than I have in a long time.