One ovary removed. Menopause symptoms increased?!

[Bigsize9foot]

Hi,

I’m 47 and prior to having my lap and left ovary removed (right intact) I had some menopause symptoms.

Since having my ovary removed, the symptoms have worsened quite dramatically (fatigue, memory/brain fog but most notable vaginal atrophy/dryness) I have always had quite like skin but my forehead is now really dry.

I was told retaining one ovary would retain my hormones. Has anyone else has experience of worsening menopause symptoms after removal of one ovary? I’m going to call my GP about it as need something help with the symptoms.

[csytasista]

Hi,I'm 39 and lost an ovary 6 years ago. I was told the other ovary would pick up the slack so to speak. It has not been this straightforward - my hormones have been all over the place. I have had non-ovulatory cycles, and I tested my oestrogen levels and they are on the low side for someone my age (this was a few years ago). I also started to have what I considered peri-menopausal symptoms which I have had a hard time getting a doctor to agree is what is happening. Seems bonkers to me, it's pretty obvious I think. My remaining ovary is now re-stuck to my pelvic wall (it was "freed" during a lap 2 years ago). I went on Zoladex earlier this year to deal with endo symptoms and to stop ovulating completely as it is excruciating when I do. I also have PMDD which has got a lot worse in recent years (because of all the hormone fluctuations). So I have spent this year in chemical menopause: this made the hot flushes / night sweats / joint pain worse, I have also had some memory issues. (But the positive impacts of the Zoladex have far outweighed the menopausal side effects for me).

I might not be in quite the same boat as you, but my experience I think indicates that losing an ovary can/does effect your hormones and brings forward menopausal symptoms. I am on tibolone now and some of the menopausal symptoms have lessened, so that's good! I hope you find some a helpful doctor who will listen and help find the right solution for you right now. Take care x

[Bigsize9foot in reply to csytasista]

Thankyou I've taken the plunge and made an appointment to speak to a GP. My symptoms were manageable before but since the ovary removal I think its tipped me just over the edge of needing some help. I've found conflicting info online and of course I forgot to ask my consultant during my appointment yesterday. I may email him. I've heard from a few people that have experienced similar so that's good enough for me!

[csytasista in reply to Bigsize9foot]

Best of luck with the docs, I hope they listen and give you options. For what it's worth I found the HRT patches evoril conti flared my endo, but I've been ok on Tibolone pills. But we're all different. It makes a lot of sense that losing an ovary would hasten the menopause.. maybe not for younger folk, but for anyone in their mid-thirties onwards at least! Take care and I hope you get some relief soon

[Bigsize9foot in reply to csytasista]

I spoke to my consultant via email (private) and he said that yes the remaining ovary will take time to pic up hormonal production. I wish I’d been told that earlier so I could be prepared! GP appointment mid January. If I don’t get much help I’ll just go private. Thanks for your answers everyone x

[Vps1980 in reply to csytasista]

I started natural perimenopause at 39 xx

[csytasista in reply to Vps1980]

Hi - indeed, I don't think it's unusual, and then with only one ovary, it seems obvious. I just don't think a lot of docs know much or care to educate themselves unfortunately. It's all pretty exhausting!

[Vps1980 in reply to csytasista]

Tell me about it, because I now have allergies and hot flushes they kept testing me for cancers… for 2 years xx