mini period...what's up with that?

Hi!
I'm scheduled for an LSH/ BSO March 9th...afters yeeeeeears of crippling pain, bleeding, bleeding and sometimes more bleeding.
I've been lurking here for a couple of months trying to decide which type of surgery would be best for me. Then my doc recommended LSH. From what I've been reading, I'm very fortunate I even have a doc qualified to perform this kind of surgery...and I love my doc!!
Anyway...I keep reading about mini-periods after keeping cervix. I'm guessing this happens when the ovaries are kept as well, but some of the profiles don't say.
If you keep the cervix and not the ovaries, is it possible to still have a mini-period?

Only about 5-10% of women who keep their cervix and ovaries have cyclical bleeding. It happens when a small amount of endometrial tissue is left over in the stump of the uterus or the canal of the cervix. There are post-surgical treatments to get rid of the remaining endometrium.

If you do not keep your ovaries and do not go on HRT, you will not have cyclical bleeding. Some forms of HRT could give you a mini period if you did have that leftover tissue - though that's a very slight possibility.

For the record, my bleeding is very light, just a panty liner for a few days and it doesn't interfere with my sex life like my period did.

Is your doctor recommending removal of your ovaries to prevent a mini-period or for some other reason?

Take care.

Hi *Q*,

I had a LSH also and I had my cervix cauterized during surgery to prevent a mini-period. I am 10 months post-op now and I have not had a mini-period.

You might want to check with your Dr. to see if he does cervix cauterization during surgery.

Best wishes,

Mary

You mentioned that you are having your ovaries removed. If that is the case you won't have mini periods, even if you retain your cervix. It's only when you keep the cervix and at least one ovary that you may experience the mini periods.

Thank-you for clarifying, juniper.

My doctor has recommended removing the ovaries due to recurrent cysts and a family history of ovarian cancer. My mom had an emergency TAH 16 years ago due to an enormous cyst on her ovary. The cyst was cancerous and she was treated with chemo. She's still doing well today. Her mother died of ovarian cancer before I was born. There is a history of breast cancer on my dads side of the family.

I was very unsure about hrt and considered using nothing, but my doc urged me to do some research before making a decision. I have since decided to try bioidentical hormones and I ordered a couple of books on the subject and will discuss this more indepth when I go in for my preop.

Thank you again!