Ovaries/no ovaries that is the question

So it seems that if possible it is better to keep at least one ovary. What complications, mood problems, etc. has anyone experienced that had both ovaries removed? Kept one ovary?
I have battled with depression, mood swings, focus problems all my life which may not be related to my female organs, but then again I've read that some women after the hysterectomy had no need for antideppresants anymore. But the main question is better to keep both ovaries or is one enough if all is well?

I had endometrial cancer, so everything came out. I have had no problems. I am glad I will never have to worry about getting ovarian cancer.

Annie - Unless there is a compelling reason not to keep your ovaries, and you do not have an estrogen-fed disease, such as cancer or endo, and assuming your ovaries are healthy, it is highly recommended to keep them. (both of them)

If you feel that your ovaries are causing the problems you describe, then one way to find out before making the decision to keep or not - would be to suppress your estrogen with a drug like Lupron to see if that alleviates your symptoms. It would also give you a pretty good glimpse of what surgical menopause would be like for you.

Here is a link to an interesting thread from a few weeks ago, which has ALOT of information that might help you in reaching your decision.

Ovaries? Keep or not? Why or why not?


joano

I have never heard of oophorectomy for treatment of depression. Reading some of the postings on this board it would seem that depression is more likely after removal of ovaries.

A good article that covers the major points to consider is:
Rational for Ovarian Conservation by Donna Shoupe MD

	Quote:
Originally posted by Pearle I have never heard of oophorectomy for treatment of depression.

Uhum, actually....I haven't either Pearle, now that you mention it. I would agree - it's much more likely after ovaries are removed, from what I've read here.

joano
TAH at 54/kept ov's

I've heard of removing ovaries as a treatment for menstrual migraines - but they usually test for the hormone aspect of that by doing a course of lupron to induce surgical menopause.

The thing about removing them is that you can't put them back - so it's a terrible sort of trial and error experiment.

Usually working to balance the hormones you already have would serve your overall health better. You might want to consult an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone driven mental disorders to see if they can balance you out. Having them taken out just because they're in there to treat something unrelated is not exactly part of the primary directive of doctors to "first do no harm."

Depression is far more prevalant after menopause than before. It's unknown if there is a hormone component to that or not. If you're seriously considering this course of action, get several opinions.

Take care.

I guess some misinterpreted what I meant. I have a large fibroid and enlarged uterus and they will be checking my ovaries as well. It seems most people feel better if they leave the ovaries if they can. Ijust wondered if anyone felt better or in more control of their hormones with HRT having had their ovaries taken out.

AnnieJustjust, According to the Donna Shoupe article it would seem that hormone replacement issues are easier to manage it the ovaries are left in. The background hormones they provide, even if not fully adequate, can be supplemented.

It is difficult if not impossible to replicate mother nature!

Thank you Pearle, I appreciate your knowledge. I've been okay about the surgery but now that I am a couple of weeks out I am starting to get more uptight.

You shound like me - and I kept everything that wasn't 'sick'.

Ovaries function well past menopause - just not enough hormone is produced to cause cycling. Also all the hormones in your body must balance. For me there was 'no question' - if they are healthy they are staying - the doc even left my tubes.

I figure that since mine overloaded me with estrogen that even if they only come back halfway - I'll still have more than most women. There are health benefits to keeping then like protection against osteoporosis and heart disease.... neither my gyn or surgeon even suggested taking them (in fact their first words were you can keep them)... My gyn is in her 60's - so she has been thru the 'hyster is a cure for everything' and has come full circle to the 'let's not do this unless it's needed' camp...

Stay or go - it's up to you and your doc -- but the docs are realizing that keeping them is beneficial.

Surgical memopause is not 'menopause' which is a gradual progression. It's 'run into a brick wall' type menopause.

PS - I'm 46 and happy to go threw it on a progressive basis.