To keep or not keep ovaries (endo related)

I am having a lap hyster in Dec for continuing endo. I am trying to decide whether or not to keep my ovaries. I had a friend who had a hyster for endo and tried to keep one of her ovaries, but still had problems with it and ended up getting it taken out, too.

As far as taking hormones, I was on progesterone when I was on Lupron and no problems, so hoping that won't be a problem after the hyster, either.

What to do?

Hi Andi,

I didn't have endo so I'm not a big help to you. From reading around here for a while, you will see many member's faced with the decision to keep or have their ovaries removed whether they have endo or not. It's a tough decision and a very personal one.

I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery and I hope everything goes very well. I'm sending huge s! Hang in there!

s, Deb

The decision as to whether or not one should keep her ovaries is always more complicated when endo is thrown into the picture!

I kept both of my ovaries when I had my hyst several years ago. We felt that in my case the benefits of keeping them outweighed the risks. This does mean that my ovaries are feeding the endo that was left on my bowel walls so I do deal with endo related pain and adesions at times.

Our ovaries produce hormones that benefit our overall health including our heart, bones, skin, eyes, etc. The estrogen, however, also feeds any endo that gets left behind. (And in case you are wondering if endo can be an issue post hyst and post BSO, we have an article you can read! Endometriosis – Can it return after a hyst?)

We each have to consider our own health, our family histories, our circumstances, and what might be best for us. I went into my hyst knowing I was going to keep my ovaries and endo on my bowel walls. I was aware that I could need future surgery including endo surgery and/or a BSO. But I did what best for me

Have you had a second opinion about your hyst and what might be best for you with regard to your ovaries? Do you see an endometriosis specialist? I would suggest talking to a doctor who is very knowledgeable regarding both endo and hormones to help you decide what is right for you.

We are each unique individuals so we each have to do what is right for us! We have several Endometriosis Resources you can read through and you may also want to read up on hormones and read books such as Dr. John Lee's books on hormones and menopause. And we do have a couple articles regarding ovaries that might be helpful: Keep Ovaries?, Keep Ovaries? Keep one or both?

I wish you all the best for whatever is right for you! s

It is a very tough decision to make. I didn't even know I had Endo until after my hysterectomy and my doctor had left my ovaries, due to my age. Since then I have had many reaccuring pain and problems and had to finally see a new doctor who has given me Lupron shots. Almost 3 months now I am still not doing much better and have another surgery scheduled for next week, Sept 21, to remove my ovaries. I hope this is the last and perhaps my ovaries should have been removed from the beginning. I did try all that I could to save them but the cronic pain just hasn't been worth it. Good luck with your decision and I hope it works out for you.

I understand your decision.

It isn't an easy answer for any one with endo.

I agree with Weiser with doing what is best for each of us and getting a second opinion.

When I was deciding I went back and forth with my decision. The day of surgery I decided to have a tah/bso. For me it was the best thing I could of done.

I'm not going to tell you it was easy.

I wanted to not use any hrt because of my fear of endo coming back. I did well for 11 weeks and 6 days after surgery.

Then I went on a patch, it didn't last long enough, I tried another and had other problems. I then went on premarin I felt horrible. I then decided with my doctor to using natural progesterone cream and natural estrogen creme. I did that for a little over a year.

When I realized it wasn't working well for me any more. I contacted my doctor now I am on an estrogen pill. I feel great now.

My suggestion is if you decide to have a bso talk with your doctor about hrt. So you know ahead of time what to expect. Some doctors don't like to give estrogen to ladies that have endo because of the posibility it can still spread.

It is a hard decision, I hope you and your doctor can come to a decision that will be best for you.