Polycystic Ovaries?

I am considering a hysterectomy at the advice of my ob/gyn. He has been telling me for over 3 years I should consider it. The symptoms have greatly increased (heavy bleeding, increased periods, pressure and cramping without bleeding, mood swings, hormone inbalance) over the past year. I am finding that I am losing the quality of my life now. I just turned 40. I had trouble conceiving and then carrying to full term our two sons, but luckily was able to have them! I have a partial uterus and only one working tube and ovary (born that way). I know from reading here that keeping ovaries seems to be a big thing. I guess mine have never worked right, I have never ovulated on a regular basis and the cysts have caused my hormones to be unbalanced always. I was just wondering if anyone had similar problems and how they did on HRT after removing everything. I have not ever been able to talk to anyone with similar problems so I do not know what to expect. I am scared I am going to trade one set of problems for another, and maybe I would be better off coping with the ones I have now. But after having 3 periods this past month, I am not sure I can continue on with this. Especially when my doctor says I can expect this over the next 10 years or so! Any help would be most appreciated!! Thanks

I guess I am all alone in this. My doctor states my problems are pretty unique but I thought someone would have been through something like this before.

Hi Penny,

I'm 46 and having surgery next Tuesday. I have a huge cyston my ovary and it has to go along with my uterus which is full of fibroids. I'm tired of the bleeding and want to get on with my life. I can keep my "good" ovary if I want to. The doc wants me to take it out so I won't have future problems. I don't think your problems will improve. The continual bleeding takes away quality of life. I'm trying to look at the good points. I have four great kids, no more periods, no future worry of cancer, and finally lifting this cloud of female problems. I'll need HRT but we all eventually will get there anyway, I'll just be doing it a couple of years early! I wish you the best in whatever decision you make and I'll keep you posted on how I do after surgery.

Big hugs,

Lillee (Holly)
TAH 12/19

Hi Penny--YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I too have polycystic ovaries along with uterine hyperplasia, a few fibroids and endo. Needless to say, I am having a TAH BSO (everything out). I thought I might want to keep the ovaries but my doctor, who has been extremely conservative in his decisions up to now, said the best thing to do is to remove it all. I've been reading up on HRT and I am feeling much better about it. Incidentally, I saved my pennies and am getting a tummy tuck as well! How's that for treating myself like the princess I am! Best of luck--my surgery is 1/10.

Penny,

You're not alone at all! I had a TAH/BSO last week for a huge ovarian cyst and fibroids. Your decision, of course, is up to you. My story is below, however, and may be of interest to you. Good luck to you!

I had a TAH/BSO last week, at age 40 after coping with polycystic ovaries for many years. I began forming (large and painful) ovarian cysts with monthly ovulation at age 19. At 21, a cyst ruptured, causing lift-threatening internal bleeding and leading to an emergency laparotomy to repair the damage. A year later, in addition to the monthly pain of cysts, I had constant pelvic pain. A laparoscopy revealed extensive scarring (adhesions) due to bleeding associated with the previously ruptured cyst. This was followed by yet another laparotomy to repair the adhesions and to do ovarian wedge resections (which sometimes reduce the formation of cysts). I was pain-free for about 6 months and then the cysts began again. I remained on high-dose birth control pills to prevent ovulation (and the formation of cysts) for the next several years. At 31, despite the hormone supression, I formed yet another cyst which ruptured and required (another) emergency surgery for repair. Needless to say, the ovarian problems and need for constant birth control pills left me infertile.

At 38, I experienced premature menopause, probably due to the repeated abdominal surgeries (which can disrupt the blood flow to the ovaries). Hormone replacement therapy seemed the best option, especially because my spine shows the early stages of osteoporosis. So, I began hormone replacement therapy (specifically, the combipatch, which provided both estrogen and progesterone). I found that the patch provided good relief of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, forgetfulness and other uncomfortable menopausal symptions.

About 4 months ago, I began experiencing pelvic pain and had some spotting after sex (which shouldn't happen after more than a year on HRT). A pelvic ultrasound showed several small fibroids, and (you guessed it) a huge ovarian cyst. Although my ovaries could no longer produce sufficient hormones to prevent hormones, they still were generating painful and risky cysts.

For me, having both my ovaries and uterus removed was the right choice. After 20 years of pain and emergency surgeries, I'd had enough. My surgeon and I (briefly) considered just removing the troublesome ovaries and leaving my uterus. However, because of the fibroids, we went ahead and removed the uterus too. The fibroids were causing my intermittent bleeding and estrogen provided by my hormone replacement therapy (essential for osteoporosis management) was likely to cause the fibroids to increase in size. The TAH/BSO was my 5th gyn surgery and (hopefully!) my last.

Best wishes to you. Don't hesitate to post or email if you want to talk!

Renny

I had polycystic ovaries and all the hormone imbalances such as irregular periods excess hair on face, arms, belly, etc., elevated cholesterol, weight gain. I had TAH/BSO 7/10/2000, and I feel great. I have lost over 20 pounds since surgery. The excess hair problem is no more. Granted I take medication for the hormone imbalance (Glucophage and Aldactone), I am not sure if it is all from the surgery, medication or a combination of the two. I will have blood work again in February, and I may go off the medications! I always thought the weight gain and excess hair were just my lot in life, but now I am thrilled to be on the way to my old self from many years ago. I have been surprised how many people with PCOS are on this site.

I am on Menest 1.25 mg daily for estrogen replacement. So far it has worked fine. I have not had any problems.

I had been wanting a hysterectomy for a long time, and finally this past year I was plagued with heavy constant periods. I was thrilled when my doctor said it was time to have a TAH/BSO. This surgery was one of the best things I have ever done. Good luck to you.