Hysterectomy to fix PCOS

Wondering if anyone out there has had tah for polycystic ovary?
I'm 37 and my family practice doc is hesitant to send me for a hyst due to the side effects/risks of hormone replacement.
However, PCOS is something I've fought with for 12 years! I've tried everything from Lupron to glucophage. I was able to have children...thank you clomid. But I'm still having alot of unwanted symptoms.
I also have ovarian cancer in my family.
If you've had a hyst for PCOS, will you please tell me your story. I need some encouragement. THANKS!!
~Jazzy

Hi Jazzy,

I have PCOS. Unfortunately, a hysterectomy is not a cure for PCOS because PCOS is an endocrine disorder. If you have your ovaries removed, then you won't have any more problems with cystic ovaries. An oopherectomy may also improve the testosterone issue (if you have one) as up to 60 percent of your testosterone is produced by your ovaries. For many however (including myself) we have to continue to take spironolactone to further control the testosterone. It will not affect the insulin issue, I am taking glocophage for that.

I would recommend that you visit 3 Doctors before you make your decision. One should be an endocrinologist experienced with treating PCOS, and at least 2 surgeons, especially since your family Doc is not recommending it at this time.

My DD has had very good luck controlling the PCOS symptoms with a regimen of low-dose BC pills, spironolactone and metformin.

I had my surgery one year ago, and my Dr was telling me a couple of months ago that it may take an additional 2 years to find a hormonal balance because of the PCOS.

Please research as much as you can, and ask your Dr.'s as many questions as you can. Learn as much as you can. You want to make sure that you are making the best decision for you.

If you should decide on a hysterectomy, we will be here to help you through your surgery and recovery.

S,
Kay

i also have pcos had problems since i was 27 years old and now i am 43 and nothing but problems from my period and cysts on my ovaries for years lost of pain from this. i know the surgery will not fix the desease but it will do away with the cysts and the heavy bleeding. i skiped peroids for months and then when i would have one i would bleed to death.for months without stoping due to the blood loss i would get to the point i could not do any thing or go any where.i would pass clots the size of your fist. to me i was not living anymore at the age of 43 to young to sit down and quiet now. i went to two different dr before i found one that would help me. i know it does not cure the pcos but now it is making life alittle easer now. i now am on hrt for abalance for my hormones and with diet and excrise and kept my sugar cheeked .life is a little better.and as of now i do feel better than when i was bleeding to death. hope you find what is right for you. and life treets well .good luck

Thanks Kay for the words of advice.
My ob/gyn did a fellowship in PCOS, she delivered my boys and has always said she would do a tah as soon as I was ready.
I have wondered how much testosterone would kick in from other production sites once the ovaries were gone.....and a month ago had decided not to take the gamble. I waffle back and forth. I grow tired of the bloating and the daily shaving. I've managed my mood swings and my weight with diet and exercise. I'm still working out regularly, but I sure could be eating better....I started watching my carbs again this past week. I'm hoping for the best, since it's really helped in the past. It doesn't do much for the hair growth, but the bloating isn't as bad when I'm eating right.
I have another dr. option in town, he's a fertility specialist/PCOS specialist. I don't know of any endocrinologists in town that deal with PCOS.
My family doc is convinced that we've tried everything there is to try. And she thinks I need to just get used to "treating symptoms".
Thanks again for you post.
~Jazzy

Kay.....in Ks!
Do you know of an endocrinologist in south central Ks??
I just saw from your post, you're a fellow Kansan.:-)
~Jazzy

Hi Jazzy,

Sorry, I am in the Kansas City area.

If you have a good Dr who is familiar with treating PCOS and she recommends a tah, then that would be another opinion. I thought you had only spoken with your family Dr.

I am going to share my experience. I had a TAH/BSO (both ovaries removed) one year ago. While my Dr says I am not completely balanced yet, I am feeling so much better than I have ever felt in my life. I immediately felt a calmness (not emotional, but physical) that I don't remember ever having. The "edgyness" is all gone. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

As far as the side affects/risks of hormone replacement. Well, I decided that the side affects/risks of out of control testosterone would be much worse. The acne is cleared up (it took about 4 months). The excess body hair is lighter and finer now, and in some places has disappeared. I only have an occassional facial hair now, and from what i read here, that is not uncommon.

I don't ever encourage oopherectomies for healthy ovaries, but the fact is that very rarely does a PCOS patient have healthy ovaries.

I also understand that the estrogen that carries the major risks is when it is taken with synthetic progestins.
I use compounded bio-identical hormones and have had no problems.

The decision has to be yours. But I hope that whatever you decide you will feel better soon.

S,
Kay

Hi JazzyJay,

I have PCOS and had a hyster just over 2 weeks ago. I will share my experience with you. I am only 25 so this was obviously a major decision for me. I was told by my family phy, 3 ob/gyns, and an endcronologist that I had exhausted all other options. I had already had a laparoscopy, d&c, ablation, and about all drugs imaginable. Now I do have problems other than just the PCOS, but overall since the surgery I think I made the right choice. I was where between the bloating, heavy painful longggggggggg periods, mood swings,being exhaused 24/7, etc I was absolutely miserable. No quality of life for a 25 year old! Now I am only a little over 2 weeks post op and feel better than I can ever remember. I do still take glucophage for the isulin resistance and I wear an estrogen patch, but thus far it has helped me so much.

You have to make the decision that is right for you, but this is my story.