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Life after no ovaries?
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06-16-2015, 07:15 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1
Hysterectomy: July 16th, 2015
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Life after no ovaries?
My Doctor wants my ovaries gone, surgeon recommends leaving in. I'm 51 endometriosis, almost needed transfusion for period blood loss, fibroid, 16 week size uterus and also dealing with enlarged lymph node under arm. Have asked ladies, researched topic and am still confused. Right now I'm going to ask for complete removal but want to know if life without ovaries is ok.,
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06-16-2015, 11:31 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 644
Hysterectomy: March 28th, 2014
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Life after no ovaries
When I had my surgical consult my surgeon told me most women want everything out. I felt even at age(49 at the time)my ovaries still provided an important function. And I realized the best balance would come from my own body. My surgeon had the last say upon viewing the health of my ovaries. I did have my Fallopian tubes removed to hopefully reduce my overall ovarian cancer risk. Do you know why there is a differing view between your Dr. and surgeon? I cannot give a view on hrt as I kept my ovaries. When given the choice on ovaries there is no clear cut answer. Hopefully some of other sisters can share their experiences with hrt. Good luck on your wellness journey
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06-16-2015, 12:08 PM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Life after no ovaries
I'd suggest that before you make decision, you find out both your doctor's and your surgeon's reasons for their differing advice. "Just in case you get cancer," is not, to my mind, an adequate reason for removing the ovaries unless you've got a family history of ovarian or uterine cancer. There's plenty of studies indicating that even after menopause, the ovaries produce low levels of estrogen that contribute to your bone density, heart health and cognitive function.
Ironically, it's these same low levels of estrogen that caused me to have my ovaries removed. I had endometrial cancer, which is estrogen receptive. My ovaries were removed in hopes of preventing an occurrence. Think about that. If they weren't still producing estrogen, it shouldn't have made a difference one way or the other, right? The fact that both my gyn and my gyn were firm that the ovaries needed to go indicates that they were still doing something, even though I was almost four years past menopause.
By the way, you don't mention whether you've been through natural menopause or not yet? This has a lot to do with how the removal of your ovaries will affect you.
If you're worried about ovarian cancer, I'd suggest removing the Fallopian tubes, as current research suggests that this is where ovarian cancer starts. However, I'd suggest leaving the ovaries themselves unless there's a good reason to do otherwise.
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06-16-2015, 12:51 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 479
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2015
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Life after no ovaries
Removing your ovaries greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Even if you are past menopause, and take HRT, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. However, if you have been diagnosed with or suspected of having gynaecological cancer, or are at high risk for such cancer, removing your ovaries might be worth the risk. You should not have them removed unless you have a very good reason.
By the way, do either your doctor or your surgeon specialise in oncology? If you're looking at cancer risk, it's a good idea to work with someone who specialises in dealing with cancer.
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06-17-2015, 08:27 AM
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Posts: 8,056
Hysterectomy: April 14th, 2015
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Life after no ovaries?
Hi DaisyDolly, welcome to HysterSisters!
I think you should go with the surgeon's recommendation to keep your ovaries, because he has more of the specialized knowledge required to help you with this type of decision. I'm 48, and I kept my ovaries because even at this age, the unquestionable benefits of their continued hormone production outweigh the miniscule cancer risk. I also had my Fallopian tubes removed to lower my risk, because recent studies suggest that ovarian cancer frequently starts there. Also, as I've heard from others, surgical menopause is more abrupt and hard-hitting than natural menopause, and best avoided if possible.
Sending you my warmest hugs and best wishes for your upcoming surgery! We'll be with you every step of the way.
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06-17-2015, 06:35 PM
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Posts: 3,646
Hysterectomy: May 28th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Life after no ovaries?
Natural meno was a breeze for me, surgical has been a 'sweat lodge' life. The hot flashes and sweating are horrible. I had my surgery last May so went into the surgical at summertime and it had to be a summer we had over half the summer temps near or over 100. Winter was not bad - like natural meno with hot flashes usually only in the wee hours of the morning. This summer is back to last year. I am trying Red Clover which seems to help a little but wish it was more. So that is proof even after meno your ovaries are still helping you.
Another proof is the effect removing them can have on your lipids and thyroid. My lipids went wacky and after years of a stable thyroid dosage, my doctor had to change the dosage three times to stabilize again. I also found out removing the ovaries affects your eyes. I went to the eye doctor for dry eyes. He said the oil ducts were clogging which is common with aging but also removing the ovaries can causes the eyes to be dryer.
Keep one or both ovaries if at all possible. If you don't have uterine cancer or ovarian cancer, try to keep them. My doctor told me by the time women go through menopause they have gotten the biggest benefit from their ovaries as far as bones and heart health. I was glad to hear that and even found research to back it up.
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