Endometriosis - will a hysterectomy help

Hi i was wondering if anyone can give me advice.* I have suffered with endometriosis for 20 yrs.* Im 38, have no children and have decided after 5 laparascopys that I can no longer live in this pain.* I want a hysterectomy which will involve removing my ovaries.* Has anyone with endometriosis had this done.* If so, has it helped.* Endometriosis thrives on oestrogen so obviously receiving HRT will be an issue.* I feel I have no other choice.* The doctor today was very negative about my wish but she doesn't live in constant pain.* Any support or advise would be greatly appreciated.*

I had a lot of endo. The doctor didn't get all of it because it was to risky but did get what was on/in my uterus. I kept my ovaries & he did tell me that as long as they are producing the hormones the endo can still grow. I am just hoping it causes no more problems until I hit menopause.

((Irish Maya))

The problem with endometriosis is that not even a hysterectomy and oophorectomy will cure this condition. There is no cure for endometriosis. The key is removal of the actual endometriosis implants by a skilled surgeon.

Would you be able to consult with an endometriosis specialist about your options?

While estrogen does fuel endometriosis, estrogen is also essential for overall health. Thus, we each have to carefully weigh our pros and cons to determine what is best for us. In my case, keeping my ovaries and thus my own hormones was best. You also need to keep in mind that even after the ovaries are removed, our bodies can continue to make estrogen by converting dietary cholesterol to progesterone, then to testosterone and then on to estrogen. Additionally, fat cells can create and store estrogen. For some women, plant estrogens can be a problem. Also, endometriosis has been known to create its own supply of estrogen, no ovaries needed!

Have you had a second opinion yet about what might be best for you? Are you keeping a detailed journal regarding all of your symptoms? The more information you can share with your doctors the better able they can be to help you!

I would suggest you learn all you can about hysterectomies and endometriosis. Our Resource Database might be a good place to start. Weigh all of your pros and cons and sit down and talk to your doctor and second opinion physician so you can determine what is best for you!

I did have my hysterectomy for endometriosis almost nine years ago. While removing the uterus stopped my bleeding, it did not stop the pain and I had a lot of surgical complications. I have also had to have additional surgery with a specialist.

Wishing you all the best!

I am so not happy to read your reply to this. I asked my dr if I having a hysterectomy would stop my pain and asked about endometriosis several times and he never mentioned that it could grow back. Was tested to make sure it wasn't cancerous in e.r. I really don't understand why they don't pass along information from one dept to the other being that it's my medical record and I am thorough with the info I gave about findings..I will bring this up when I go to my 6 week checkup that I am dreading. Afraid the probing will hurt becasue I am hurting down there when I use the bathroom or just out of the blue. Thanks for sharing your info.

Hi there. I am 31 years old and I was diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis a little over a year ago. Never knew I had endometriosis until I had an ectopic preg. either. I never had normal cycles and my doctors thought I had PCOS. Wrong!!!! So, in August of 2008, I had a total hysterectomy (removal of my ovaries, cervix, uterus, and all endo and adhesions). I have to say that my pain is gone thanks to the surgery. Endo had attacked my fallopian tubes so badly my new doctor (not the one who diagnosed me with the ectopic) had to corterize them. Since I wasn't going to be able to have children and after a time period of trying the Lupron Depot (which made me feel like I was insane and sick), we decided that my quality of life was much more important than walking around in pain all the time.

We all know that a TAH is not a cure for endometriosis but for some of us, it truly does help. This is a decision that you need to make and what is best for you. Estrogen is the fuel for endo and I am not on HRT either. I am in surgical menopause and at times, the mood swings and hot flashes are terrible but other than that, it is quite easily dealt with.

I hope that you find the answers to your questions soon sweetie. It is a tough decision to make but one that is worth thinking over. Hugs!