Debating whether to keep my ovaries...

[mylady77]

Hello All,

I'm awaiting a date for my total laparoscopic hysterectomy and am undecided whether to have an oophorectomy at the same time. I have adenomyosis and endometriosis on the left uterosacral ligament and ureter.

I had initially elected to keep my ovaries and then panicked, rang my nurse and asked to have everything removed in one fell swoop. Now I'm feeling as if my first thoughts were correct...

I'm 39 in the next few days and not great at taking medication long term - I always try to find natural alternatives so might struggle with HRT - but, I'm a single mam, with a mortgage and full time job and scared if I don't have the ovaries removed the endo will come back sooner, or perhaps some might be missed during the excision process... and life will be the struggle it is now, all over again.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[Butterfly98]

I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and had my ovaries removed at the same time. Everything was removed by laparoscopy, so I just have 4 small holes. I had it done as I had a large cyst that was being removed. When my consultant offered me the hysterectomy he suggested that he took the ovaries at the same time to avoid any problems or more surgery in the future. Two weeks on I've had a few hot flushes, but nothing too bad. I went into this adamant that I wouldn't have HRT and don't plan on taking it. No-one mentioned it to me when I was in hospital and my follow up appointment isn't until December. I must just say that I haven't been drinking very much tea, coffee or coke for about 3 months, and I read that cutting down on caffeine makes the hot flushes less severe, so maybe that's why I've been lucky so far! I can only offer you my own experience, but I hope it can help with your decision in some way. Good luck with your op x

[Gremlin16]

Hello mylady77

Just had a subtotal hysterectomy and ovary removal on 26/10/16. Not had any menopause side effects as yet.

Had previous problems with cysts and fibroids. Which is why I decided to go for it.

Some ladies leave one, but friends that have done so are needing ops further down the line to sort it. This pretty much made up my mind for me.

It is down to your individual choice. When surgeon did op my ovaries were fine, but slight believe I have made the right decision.

Also thought about if I left them could I suffer everything again I had been through for me that was a definitive no.

Good luck with whatever your decision is.

[IndigoBlue61]

I had a total abdominal Hystetectomy and oopherectomy 10 weeks ago, I wanted ovaries out as my sister had ovarian cancer. I was already post menopausal so have noticed very little difference, but hot flushes are really the only change. I cope by wearing loose cotton clothing, lightweight cardigan and good foundation as my cheeks go bright red. 😊

There is info online if you want to know more.

Good luck 😊