Elective Hysterectomy? No cancer, tired of cycling probs

I am new here and don't know how/where I read post-op problems for those with one/bothovaries intact. I know it's crazy of me, but I planned on having my uterus only out, next summer 2003, while I am out of work. I have no cancer, but have lots of anovulatory cycles, longer periods, so my PMS BLOAT can last 4-6 weeks and more, with horrible backaches, huge, sore breasts & prego abdomen the whole time. I will be 50 in July and this is a typical pattern for me for many years, but more so in the last three. I did tons of reading on NHR, tried that and HRT, birth control pills (not Triphasal) and they all make me bloated and miserable. My salivary assays and blood levels always show only slightly low estrogen/progesterone, but truthfully, I am sick of having periods. My uterus gave me two wonderful, grown kids, and I want to keep my ovaries only. Am I in for a terrible shock with post op problems with moods, cycling, early menopause etc? I also have early osteoporosis, which I am taking a natural, bone building supplement for, as well as starting a weight bearing program. Btw.... I drink a container of Power Dream (10 ozs?) daily, and have no night sweats.

What is Power Dream? I have terrible hotflashes and night sweats!! Help!
Jeanie

I can relate, Julygirl. I don't have cancer or anything life-threatening, but I suffer from constant pain from huge fibroids, and I just want it to be over. I just turned 36 today, and also got my surgery scheduled today for July 2. What a freaky birthday present! Like you, I've already had a baby so I feel like I'm ready to dump this pain-causing uterus. Good luck to you, girl. I haven't had my surgery yet, so I can't answer your questions about what it'll be like post-op, but I just want to say I can totally relate!

Kathi,

I'll be 43 the end of June, kept both ovaries, and if they shut down even temporarily, the only symptom I noticed was vaginal dryness, but that was gone after about 4 weeks. OK, that and brain fog, which I blame on reduced estrogen since I didn't have general anesthesia.

I didn't have hot flashes, and my last mood swing was when my mom and I drove into the hospital parking lot for my surgery 9-1/2 weeks ago. My mom went through menopause at 46, so it's entirely possible my ovaries would have shut down anyway in the next few years with or without the hysterectomy, so all the symptoms of menopause may very well be in my not-too-distant future. If you're about to turn 50, you're also nearing natural menopause, but if your blood tests aren't showing any sign yet, I don't think there's any way to determine how far off it actually is. When you have the surgery you may not notice much difference, you may go through some brief menopause symptoms, or if you're on the brink of menopause a year from now, you may have more symptoms. I would just discuss those concerns with your doctor, and see what kind of feedback you get.

Good luck!
Margaret