severe breast tenderness 7 months post TAH/BSO

Ever since my complete hyst in April I've had intermittent breast tenderness and cramps which have gotten much worse lately. I asked my doc if it was possible that there was some residual ovarian tissue that may be causing burst of hormones but she swears that she got it all. I'm not so sure.
Anyone else experiencing the same thing. Thanks maggie

Hi Maggie

I have the breast tenderness also. Won't even tell you what my gyn. said to do about it! It could be the type of hormone you are taking causing the problem. Right now I am trying a progestrone pill every other day to see if that will help. If not I may have to switch the estrogen I am on.

Also, try to be careful with how much chocolate and caffine you are getting. They have always caused my fibrocystic breast disease to act up. It's worth a shot to cut back on them. Good Luck!

Hi Pamm40,

Thanks for your reply. The problem is I'm not taking any hormones, so that's why I think there's ovarian tissue still left. Prior to my surgery though I was taking some natural therapeutics to try to balance my hormones. I'm also not having any symptoms of menopause, hot flashes, etc., which I thought I was having prior to surgery. The whole experience is somewhat baffling to me. I will be seeing my doc again in a couple of weeks, obviously I need to pursue this further. Thanks

It seems very strange that you are not taking any hormones and have not had any menopausal symptoms. Are you sure they removed your ovaries. Were you already close to menopause? With ovaries removed it is vital to take hormones for your future health unless there is some reason such as a strong family history of breast cancer or previous breast cancer that would prevent you doing so. In these cases a good herbal/vitamin/mineral combination is essential.
A total hysterectomy just means taking uterus and cervix. A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oopherectomy (BSO) means taking uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Perhaps with more info I could help.

Dear Lily,

The reason for no HRT is my history of severe endometriosis. At the time of my TAH/BSO my ovaries, etc. were just one big mass with almost no recognizable ovarian tissue present. However, my surgeon was concerned about being able to remove eveything in its entirety without damaging bowel and bladder. She assured me that everything was removed. I am primarily a vegetarian who incorporates soy daily and have in the past used numerous phytoestrogens. I will be seeing my doc in a couple of weeks I will address this with her.

Thanks for your response. Maggie

Maggie,
That explains it better. Sorry that you are suffering this - but in your case it's the right decision, obviously you have discussed this with your doctor and it's the best course of action. I hope things turn out OK for you and that there isn't any residual tissue left. As you say the cramps and breast tenderness ( esp the latter) sound like there is some hormonal activity. The adrenal glands can convert some hormones to whatever is needed but I imagine (I'm no expert) that it would be a negligable amount, so hopefully they will turn their attention to just making cortisol and the other stuff rather than try and take over the sex hormone production. It does take time for your body to re-adjust itself to this turmoil and whilst 7 months seems like a long time it may take up to a year. Some endo patients take progesterone to oppose any remaining endometriosis but there is a small chance your body may convert it to estrogen if that's what it thinks is needed, so no hormones may be better for you because of the severity of your condition.Sounds like your doc has it covered!
Sending positive thoughts and wishes your way - good luck,