Keeping one ovary to avoid HRT. Will it work?

My surgery is scheduled for next week. Eventhough both of my ovaries are dysfunctional, I plan to keep one in the hopes that I don't have to take HRT. Dr says in the beginning I should be able to use a patch in order to stablize the hormone levels, then I should be ok without HRT. Anyone in a similar situation? Suggestions?

hopefully i'm only losing my left ovary - at 47 my doc seems to think I'll make it thru with just one left. I have never done well with added hormones, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I only lost one ovary, and I'm feeling very good and balanced since.

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Unfortunately there are no guarantees, and I am not sure what you mean by "dysfunctional". But, it is possible for a single healthy remaining ovary to step up and provide you with all of your needed hormones.

Best Wishes.

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Kay

I had TAH 2 years ago and kept one ovary for the same reason. It went well. I am very happy with my decision. It's a hard decision to make for each of us but for me it was a good one. Now I may be going back to have that one taken out but it will be laproscopically and I'm ready for it now. Good luck, my prayers are with you.

Thanks for the response. I have pain on the right side and have had cysts on the right ovary off and on for years. During my last appointment Dr. found a large cyst on the left, but the pain continues to the be on the right side. He says he can drain fluid from the left ovary and remove the right one.

Like you I have an enlarged uterus as well which is causing significant lower back pain, suddenly a big belly, and heavy periods that last 5-6 weeks at times. Were your symptoms similar? If so, did the surgery help this? I really want to feel better afterward and not worse. After reading all of the side effects, I am freaking out.

This is good to hear about hormones. Problem is ovarian cysts keep popping up and the last one spotted is too large to go away without surgery. I think my hormone levels were already out of wack even before I decided to go through with this. I have been on the verge of tears over the silliest things.

Yes I had the same symptoms and the hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did. I honestly felt so much better, if I only knew how well I would feel I wouldn't have put it off as long as I did. Good luck I'll be praying for you and am sending good wishes your way for an easy recovery.