Ovary Question

I'M JUST FULL OF QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR READING. THIS SEEM LIKE A SILLY QUESTION TO ME BUT TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE KEPT YOUR OVARIES I WAS WONDERING WHAT KIND OF MONTHLY SYMPTOMS YOU HAVE. I'M TOLD YOU HAVE EVERYTHING EXCEPT YOUR PERIOD. OTHERS SAY NOTHING AT ALL. I WAS GOING TO KEEP MINE IF THEY REMAIN HEALTHY AT THE TIME OF SURGERY BUT I AM 49. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE BCP'S DUE TO SIDE EFFECTS. NOT SURE I CAN TAKE TAKE HRT EITHER. HOPING A LOT OF MY SYMPTOMS ARE A RESULT OF THESE MULTIPLE FIBROIDS. INPUT APPRECIATED AS ALWAYS.

I am 47 and just underwent a TVH and kept ovaries on Sept. 20th. So far I have not noticed any big difference in PMS or any other symptoms. I was advised to keep my ovaires as long as they looked healthy. good luck

I'm 48, and I kept mine after the initial surgery. They "woke up" and started working again about 6 weeks after surgery--my symptoms were same as always (and as you say, minus the period): breast tenderness, moodiness, midcycle twinge. During my second surgery, the doctor had to destroy my ovaries in order to access my lymph nodes. Since then (this was in April), I have the occasional hot flash... I can't take HRT, so I'm glad my symptoms are mild.

GwenM,

I am 46 about to be 47 and 6 1/2 months post-op from my surgery.

I decided to keep my ovaries since my Dr. said they were healthy and ovarian cancer does not run in the females in my family. My Dr. and I decided he would do a "looky loo" on my ovaries during surgery to double check them. He did and they were okay.

I decided I wanted to go through natural menopause, if I was a candidate. I read on Hyster Sisters that the ovaries secrete important hormones for the bones, hair and skin.

Since I kept my ovaries, I do experience PMS each month. it is mild. I have some breast tenderness and I can be a bit more irritable at that time of the month. However, I do not get a monthly/bloat weight gain like I did before surgery and no aunt flow.

Best wishes, The ovary question is a very personal one.

Mary

I have a little breast tenderness (which is actually controlled quite easily with a little progesterone cream) and some acne. During my period time I get a little bit of a lower back ache, nothing that I would take anything for, just a little reminder twinge.

I never had much trouble with mood swings before surgery and I don't have it now either.

Since I kept my cervix, I still have a monthly ovulation discharge as well to remind me where I'm at (I used to get a pinch when I ovulated, I haven't noticed that yet, but it's only been three cycles since surgery).

I'm only 38 and I'm so glad I kept my ovaries. Heart disease kills everyone in my family so I'm doing my best to keep fit and fight the genetic cards I've been dealt the best I can.

HI Gwen

I feel it is generally a good idea to keep your ovaries if they are healthy and providing there is not a madical reason to remove them such as cancer or endometriosis.

Here is an article about the decision to keep ovaries or remove them.
http://drn4u.com/topbg8.gif

If you do not think you will be able to use HRT, then you must consider that also. Each of us experience much different menopause symptoms. Some women's are very mild and some are more severe. Some of us who do not have ovaries have to rely on HRT for symptom relief.

Best of luck on your research.

I wish either one of my doctors(two opinions) suggested that I keep my ovaries. I have a fibroid and heavy bleeding, which is being controlled with prometrium and uterine hyperplasia without atypical cells. Both doctors suggest LAVH and removal of ovaries. There is nothing wrong with ovaries. The removal is due to my age....51 years old. They say that I will be going into menopause soon so why not take them. My mother had breast cancer so if they remove them...no estrogen. However, I would be very reluctant to take HRT. So far no menopausal symptoms. How long will it take?

Needless to say, I have put off the hysterectomy for now. I haven't ruled it out. I go back in December for another biopsy. We'll see if the lining of my uterus has thinned out. If not, I may have to go ahead with it. Any suggestions/advice.


Thanks

Susie,

I found this old thread and I think you'll find it interesting. The response by Savh is a very good argument for keeping healthy ovaries, even if they are old.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=10987

When I had my hysterectomy I was 52 years old. My dr. suggested taking both ovaries (healthy), and because I didn't know any better I agreed. Only after my surgery did I find out that I have a predisposition to blood clots and therefore can't take HRT. If I had known that prior to my surgery, I'd have kept my ovaries.

Perhaps you can print Savh's information and share it with your doctor. Just remember, the decision rests with you.