Ovary removal

[mags4]

Hi just wondering if anyone had there ovaries removed?and how they coped pre menopausal. I have to get mine removed as my breast cancer was estrogen positive ,as a preventitive i am 46 and have two beautiful boys.

When you go straight into menopause any tips to help

Thanks Marguerite.

[Mac99]

Hi, I cannot help with the side effects but I wanted to have one to reduce the oestrogen in my body as was 40. They refused and said full hysterectomy only. I am on tamoxifen and have massive bleeds every few months

[blue_sky1 in reply to Mac99]

I have a friend who elected to have her ovaries removed and it has caused her a number of problems. I am surprised they would recommend it as the majority of BC is hormone positive and ovary removal is not usually a part of treatment. The drugs (Tamoxifen or the aromatase inhibitors) block oestrogen completely which is why I think it is not recommended. Best of luck and try not to worry. xxx

[Hidden in reply to blue_sky1]

I am 52 and was peri-menopausal before my chemo which stopped my periods , then Tamoxifen - I started with these in January and last month had blood tests to see if I had become post-menopausal (no periods and my age etc indicated this would be the case) My oncologist said my oestrogen is very low so the Tamoxifen is doing its job - but they also tested for something (sorry don't know what it is!) which is where your brain starts to kick-start the ovaries , and mine was positive for this , so having another test in September to see if this was a one off or a trend and if this is still happening will have my ovaries removed - so Tamoxifen on its own may not always be enough , have to say I was surprised at this but not as surprised as when she told me to make sure I didn't get pregnant !!

[blue_sky1]

Oh so sorry to hear this. Hopefully all will turn out well and you will not have to go through the trauma of surgery. Best of luck and lots of hugs xxx

[SurreySurvivor]

I was diagnosed at 35 (Stage 2). Mine were removed a couple of months after my bilateral mastectomy.

My doctors were excellent. It really was the best decision for me. The immediate surgically induced menopause at the age of 35 was extreme for a couple weeks. But, I adjusted quickly. I no longer become anemic, and I no longer get migraines too!

I'm not sure which type of technique the surgeon intends to use. But, I had the da Vinci robotic-assisted total hysterectomy/oophorectomy. The gas used to fill your abdomen can get trapped. When this happens, you can get shoulder pain. Just a warning, so you don't worry. It just has to get absorbed and work it's way out of your body.

Also, sensitive topic, be aware of vaginal atrophy. Let yourself heal, but be prepared. You might hurt till you... ummm... practice. It will go away. But, I thought you might mike to know so there isn't a surprise.