Question about "mini" periods

Can someone please explain something to me? I forgot what the dr. told me. Why is it, that if they only take your uterus out, you end up with mini periods? I thought periods totally stopped when your uterus was gone. I know periods stop when they take everything out, but I figured it would be the same way if they only took the uterus out.

They took everything out so I never experienced it but from what I have read here if your cervix and overies remain you can still have mini periods.

The cervix is actually the bottom portion of your uterus so it can also have endometrial lining. If you retain at least one ovary, you will still cycle and then any endometrium will shed causing the mini-period. Many ladies who retain their cervix have it cauterized to try to prevent mini periods.

We do have an article regarding mini-periods you might find helpful: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_256483.htm.

That's what I thought. Thank you Mz Tiny. I'd prefer not to have any more periods. Mini or otherwise.

Also, my GYN said if you are having problems with fibroids, they can grow on what remains of the endometrial tissue that's left on or in your cervix. So you could end up with fibroid issues again in the future. From what I've seen, on this site, it's not uncommon for those who kept theirs to end up having the cervix removed at a later date.

That is exactly what I have read and why I want everything out now, while I'm young enough to recover from the surgery and to prevent more surgeries. It's also what my aunt's gyn told her when he did her hysterectomy and why he took everything out. He said there is a good chance they can come back. I don't want to take that chance.

I know that my Dr. routinely cauterizes the cervix when it's being kept (I'm keeping mine). I asked about the mini periods...she told me that at my age (41) the occurrence of mini periods was less than 5%....and in her own experience she'd never had a patient my age or older experience them...this was a big concern for me since I am keeping my left ovary and do not want to lose one of the biggest "consolation prizes" of having a hyst...NO MORE BLEEDING!!! Good luck with what ever you decide to do!
s, Janice

The dr. that I have also said that she cauterizes the cervix, but she also said chances were that I would end up with the mini periods. And like you said, after going through all that I don't want any more periods. So, I'm going to have my cervix out. From all that I have read, most of the women on this board who have had their cervix out didn't notice any difference, except no bleeding. Also, if you keep your ovaries there is a chance of mini periods. I want my consolation prize, no more periods, ever.