hysterectomy 1988-now ovaries to go-worried about menopause?

Hi,
I've been reading posts on this board for hours--decided to sign up so I could seek specific advice from those who've been here before.
Had vaginal hysterectomy (uterus/cervix) in 1988 at age 29--was the best thing I've ever done health wise. I had known nothing but pain and misery and misdiagnoses since 12 yrs of age, but never had PMS symptoms. Had severe endo, cervical dysplasia and pain. I was up and going the next day and felt pretty darned great. Stayed home a week since the dr. asked me to. Was warned that there could be some emotional/hormonal fallout, but here I am 16 years later, 45 years old and never had any hormonal problems at all.
However, have had several surgeries for various types of ovarian cysts/tumors (benign) and removal of endo and adhesions on bowel from prior surgeries. Have had fairly constant pain from the recurring bowel adhesions and ovary problems. Found in my last surgery that my ovaries had fused together. Dr. separate them and told them to stay in their own space (HAH!). I'm 2 years post last surgery for several bizarre cyst/tumor (benign again) removals and adhesion removals. Ovaries are fused together again, adhesions are causing cramping again and cyst have recurred. I am weary of being cut and the anxiety of having recurring problems. I have three excellent, young, Harvard grad female doctors (thank God for all of them)--they are internal med, ob/gyn, and endocrinologist. All three have independently of each other recommended that this time I remove my ovaries (they recommended it last time, but I refused).
I have read so many horror stories about the hormones, misery and insanity so many women go through after the loss of their ovaries that I am terrified to do this. I need to deal with this ASAP as I have avoided the whole issue for three months and the pain and cyst size are just growing.
My doctors are all saying that there is simply no way to KNOW how it will go for an individual woman. However, they all three believe that since I have never suffered any PMS type symptoms during the 32 years of having reproductive problems, they tend to believe I will come through this in good shape also. I just got my latest hormone blood work back and my ovaries are still plugging along just fine, so I will definitely FEEL the lack of hormones post surgery.
Has anyone on this board noticed any type of correlation to their pre and post surgery hormone problems or lack thereof? I have just spent a month at the Pritikin Longevity Center getting the mid-life check-up and shape-up of a lifetime. Found out I am in great coronary health, endocrine health, physical health, bone health, etc. I need to lose about 15 pounds and am hypothyroid, but that's nothing new.
I would appreciate any opinions/insight regarding whether my prior lack of hormone problems (even without my uterus/cervix) makes it more likely that I'll come through the oopharectomy in good shape. I don't want to be a nasty, miserable person!
Thanks so very much to all who have shared this personal information...it has helped me a great deal.
Cindy

Hi Cindy, and

We’re happy you joined the Hyster Sisters community! It sounds like you have been through a lot, and I hope that you are now on the road to good health.

At the age of 50, I had a bilateral oophorectomy at the time I had my total abdominal hysterectomy. I was pre-menopausal at the time. I didn’t know how hard I would be “hit” by surgical menopause. I will spare you the details in this post….if you are interested, you can read my sorry saga in the "Meet Staff" section.

Prior to having my ovaries removed, I had never had any hormonal problems in my life. I never even experienced PMS! Prior to my surgery, I labored under the delusional belief that I may not have any surgical menopause symptoms, since my hormones had never given me any trouble before. Wrong!

I truly believe there's no way to predict ahead of time what will transpire with surgical menopause. If you do experience problems, I hope they are easily remedied.

Many s and Best Wishes to You!