Upcoming hysterectomy: PCOS - keep or remove ovaries?

Hi! I'm new here. I was diagnosed with PCOS in August of last year but have been dealing with mennorhagia (heavy periods to the point I've needed transfusions and iron) and cramping that would put me out of commission for weeks ever since I was 12. I have been blessed with two beautiful little girls 3 and 1 but I never realized how much the bleeding and cramps affected my life until my kids. With PCOS I have the facial hair, testosterone that is 3x the norm, and I'm insulin resistant. My doctor and I have made the decision to go ahead with a hysterectomy because my menorrhagia has gotten completely out of control ever since the birth of my youngest child. My question is, after doing so much research and seeing how vital ovaries are (even cystic ones) can anyone let me know their experience with keeping them in or having them removed at the time of hysterectomy. I'm so apprehensive about having to start HRTs at 25. I feel like I should leave them in until they give serious problems and then just have them removed. Sorry if this is a little scatterbrained, my appointment was yesterday and it was a lot of information and I was pretty excited to get the go ahead to submit approval through insurance after dealing with this mess for 12 years.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi kayjacks to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site! Your post was fine. This is a difficult surgery to digest and process.

Here are articles that may help provide information:
Should I Keep My Ovaries When I Have My Hysterectomy?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Disorder)
HRT, Heart Disease, and Surgical Menopause
5 Interesting Facts about Surgical Menopause

I was plunged into surgical menopause at age 46. For me, it was MISERABLE. I went on HRT and it gave me my life back. But, it is not the same as my own hormones. I had no choice, but would have kept one or both ovaries if I could have.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and the pros and cons of keeping your ovaries given your age and your health situation.