TLH: Nervous about hormones after hysterectomy and remaining ovary removed (10/21)

I'm 34 and know that I will most likely need HRT after surgery but know some doctors want you to wait a few weeks before starting hormones. I get nervous about the hormone issues since I had postpartum after one of my daughters was born and was told that was due to the quick drop of hormones after she was born. I know this might not have anything to do with what I'm getting ready to go through but it scares me because I don't want to feel the way I did after having my daughter. Has anyone had theses feelings or how did you feel after surgery and having HRT?

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Originally Posted by sarahurst1 I'm 34 and know that I will most likely need HRT after surgery but know some doctors want you to wait a few weeks before starting hormones. I get nervous about the hormone issues since I had postpartum after one of my daughters was born and was told that was due to the quick drop of hormones after she was born. I know this might not have anything to do with what I'm getting ready to go through but it scares me because I don't want to feel the way I did after having my daughter. Has anyone had theses feelings or how did you feel after surgery and having HRT?

I'm much older than you (49). My doc initially said that because of my age she wouldn't start HRT until and if it became clear that I needed it.

I went back to see her and explained that because of my history of depression I was afraid to fall off a hormonal cliff at my surgery. After she heard that, she agreed to start HRT immediately.

Good luck! 🙂

Hi sarahurst1 to HysterSisters!

Is there any way for you to keep your ovaries as you are pretty young? If you have to lose them, talk to your doctor about your concerns and your desire to take HRT after your surgery. Keep in mind that it can take some time to get the balance correct. So adjustments may need to be made. Here is some information for you:
HRT, Heart Disease, and Surgical Menopause
Natural Menopause vs. Surgical Menopause

I was rudely dumped into surgical menopause at age 46 (I had no choice). I was MISERABLE. I went on HRT and it gave me my life back, but it is not the same as my own hormones. If I could have I would have kept my ovaries.

My Dr. gave me rx for hormones right after surgery. I am so glad she did. I am 24 days post surgery.
Took out uterus and ovary and cervix - could not find my left ovary or tube.(Plus, I have endo stage IV)
It was 4 hours long with mini lap with a scope. I was good with motrin and Tylenol every 6 hours. I have had no complication - no hot flashes, depression or anxiety. I feel every blessed and very happy with the results.
Originally, i did not want hormones but she explained I could always come off gradually after I healed up. Why suffer more than you have to.
I had horrible periods, 2 surgeries to take out endo, suffered through 7 years of infertility and was severely anemic. I am done with all of it and happy as a clam!

Thank you everyone for the input so far. It has definitely helped calm my nerves! I wish I could keep my ovaries but already had left taken out in December and my right is enlarged and full of cysts. But I'm feeling much better about HRT. Thanks again!

I just scheduled my hysterectomy today. I'm also 34 and will be having a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries. My dr said he would leave one if I really wanted to but that the likelihood of having another surgery down the line to take out the other ovary was very high. I would rather have them both out with this surgery and avoid another surgery in the future. He is starting me on HRT the day after my surgery. I decided to use the hormone patch of Estradiol. I have high hopes that this will be the best bet for me and after a long talk with my dr I really agree with all of his advice. I would ask your doctor what his plan is and discuss which option will be best for you. I personally feel better off of the high hormones in birth control pills but need them to help with my periods. I'm actually looking forward to my surgery and feeling better again. Good luck to you!

I feel your pain girl. I'm 35. Having surgery on the 28th. My main questions were about HRT. I will be starting asap after surgery with estrogen patches since they are taking everything. Not going to lie...kinda scared. But if your interested in can keep you informed. We can all learn from each other.

Yes! Keep me updated! Hope everything goes well for your hysterectomy tomorrow. I'm so glad I found this site and others that are going through what I am.

I hope you all update here after your surgeries! Your stories are very close to mine so I'm very interested in your recoveries and experiences starting HRT after. Good luck to you!

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Originally Posted by akblackaby I hope you all update here after your surgeries! Your stories are very close to mine so I'm very interested in your recoveries and experiences starting HRT after. Good luck to you!

Beyond the initial post of "I am out of surgery", the post-surgery women move to post-op forum and their own recovery thread based on their surgery week. So they will not be updating on this thread.

This is done to keep the site organized, and because the concerns of each group are different. You can see the post-op posts, but you will not be able to post there until you are post-op yourself.