ovaries- to keep or not

i am 49 and scheduled for a TAH on 2/22/05. have no history of ovarian cysts but at times am uncomfortable and bloated when ovulating., not to mention mood swings. i can't decide whether to liberate myself from all things having to do with the menstrual cycle and remove the ovaries or keep them because i am very leary of the estrogen patch and concerned with surgical menopause- please advise and thanks.

THere are already a few current discussions posted about ovaries ... if you read them you will learn lots about the debate!

I just had surgery on Tuesday....I had a vaginal hysterectomy. I told him I wanted to keep the ovaries if they were not diseased. I kept them since he said they looked good.

GH

It wasn't that long ago that I was posting the same question here. I had the same problems (except the mood swings) when I ovulated, but still didn't want to part with my ovaries. The only thing different is that I was already experiencing some premenopausal symptoms, but I still didn't want to go into full surgerical menopause. After weeks of trying to decide, I finally decided to leave it to fate (I know, sounds crazy)...I told my doctor that if my ovaries were healthy when he got in there to leave them, but if either looked bad to remove them....well, mine were healthy so I still have them both. I realize that I didn't help any with your decision, but thought I'd share my experience. You will get alot of different responses on this issue and it a personal decision because we are all different. Goodluck!

This article highlights the major issues in your decision. Also, see the sexual dysfunction and hormone forum to sample what some ladies go through.Rational for Ovarian Conservation by Donna Shoupe MD

The most recent thread on this subject which covered both sides of the issue pretty well was covered here - link

But feel free to post any other questions, the ladies here are great resources.

Take care.