Is Zoladex menopause worse than menopause from ovary removal?

[Noggsy]

Hi ladies,

I am trying to work out which hysterectomy I should go for, and would like to know your experiences/advice on whether the menopause caused by ovary removal is worse/same/better than a zoladex enduced menopause?

Many thanks

Noggsxxx

[Tendo]

Hi,

I had no problems when I was on Zoladex.

I got both my ovaries removed in 2000, when I was 40, and was put on HRT, which I came off in January 2011. Since then I've had horrendous hot flushes and night sweats!

Everyone reacts differently, but remember that surgery is permanent and usually causes adhesions, which in themselves cause more pain.

Let us know what you decide.

Tendo

x

[Noggsy in reply to Tendo]

Thanks Tendo. I received a message from another lady and what I didn't realise until then was that if you have a surgical menopause, you will then be in that menopause not for 6 months (as I originally thought!), but until you are in your 50's or so.

Can I ask why you came off the HRT? I have come off it whilst on Zolly as my pain started to return (but not as bad). Would this be the same for you after surgery?

Thanks

Noggsxx

[Tendo]

Hi Noggs,

Sorry, I should have elaborated. After my surgery I was pain free for 2-3yrs, and then the pain gradually returned. No where nearly as bad, just what I called grumbling. Then in December 2010 the pain returned with vengeance, along with a small bleed. I thought it was just a one off, so didn't see my GP. It happened again in January, so I went to see my GP. He said that I shouldn't be bleeding (I knew that!), and told me to come off the HRT, which I did. I'd been on HRT for 10 1/2yrs by then.

Since then the bleeding has stopped, but I still have pain, sometimes quite bad. My Gynae and Pain Consultant both agree, that any further surgery is a bad idea due to causing more adhesions.

If you have any more questions, please ask.

Tendo

xx