Ovaries are now polycystic!!

I had a full abdominal hysterectomy in August last year, and was left with my ovaries because they were healthy.. Had to have an MRI recently to check on my Crohn's disease and it was discovered that my ovaries are now polycystic. Anyone any ideas as to what could happen now??

I have no idea, but feel so bad for you. Please keep us informed as to what happens next! I kept my healthy ovaries too and hope and pray they stay healthy.

Dear Cathy,

Thanks for replying.. I haven't yet heard from the Hospital, although i have tried them and left a message. It has been a nightmare trying to find out any information about polycystic ovaries after a hysterectomy. It just doesn't seem to be available. My ovaries certainly were not a problem before, otherwise my Consultant said that he was going to take them. I do know that my hormones were "crazy" after my operation, and that seems to have calmed down, although i have become very spotty, and have had alot of lower back pain.

I'll wait to see what is said, and pass it on.

Hope that you are doing well, it was nice of see yor reply. Gx

My sister has polycystic ovaries. She just went through menopause this past year (she's 46 years old) and now the symptoms are letting up a lot. She'll get a cyst and then it'll hurt when it ruptures from time to time. The pain is manageable with Aleve for her and it is random and only lasts several days. Everyone is different though. Some women with polycystic ovaries hurt so bad that they end up wanting their ovaries removed. Often times the symptoms can be controlled with a low dose birth control pill or some other hormone theraphy. For now relax, as long as you aren't hurting badly you don't have to do anything at the moment. My doctor said polycystic cysts look way different than the cysts that turn cancerous.

They took my right ovary, as it was polycystic. I had the kind of cysts that opened blood vessels when they burst, and bled into my abdomen. That is the rare, really bad kind, and only on one side. Being polycystic, for most people, is the kind of discomfort that advil or tylenol help. Your doc will be able to guide you. I know a few people who are polycystic and have not needed treatment for them. I hope that's the case for you!

(((Giogem)))

Don't panic. Treatment for polycystic ovaries can be the same whether or not there is a uterus, with the exception of an IUD.

Polycystic ovaries can occur for a number of reasons, one being hormonal imbalance. With the removal of the uterus, the blood supply to the ovaries can be interrupted which can lead to hormonal imbalance for a time and thus could be why you are having this issue now. As an adequate blood supply is established, your hormones may balance back out and the issue may resolve.

If, however, the polycystic ovaries is a sign you have PCOS, there will be other health issues to consider as PCOS is a disorder of the entire endocrine system. But polycystic ovaries does not itself indicate you have PCOS.

If the issue is only cystic ovaries, you may find some type of hormonal treatment such as birth control pills helpful. You may be able to wait and see if time is the great healer. Removing the ovary(ies) would be a last resort measure.

Try not to worry. Many of us have had issues with cysts post hysterectomy and many times the cysts resolved on their own and after a bit our bodies got back to normal (whatever normal is ). Others used a hormonal treatment to get things back in order.

Thank you ladies for your replies.. I have spoken to my doctor, and from the results that came from the MRI, they are now referring me back to gynae.. To discuss taking my ovaries..

To be honest, i feel alright about it. I've had enough problems with my bowls and kidneys, that it would be a relief to have one area completely finished with!!!

Hope that you are all well, i am grateful for all your replies, as i don't know a soul that knows how it feels.

All the best, Gxxx