To Remove Ovaries or Not

I was 41 when I had my complete hysterectomy (bikini line incision) and opted for the Dr. to take everything possible.

I have absolutely NO regrets at all. I've never looked or felt better, no weight gain, no loss of sex drive. I didn't have migraines to start with so I can't answer to that issue.

I too, weighed the options about HRT. I went straight on an HRT patch (Vivelle Dot .075) and never had any issues. I have been off the patch for quite some time now. My thoughts were... it is much easier to diagnose and treat breast cancer vs ovarian cancer, therefore, I opted to use HRT. I know everyone does not feel the way I do and that is ok. Another thing, why leave the ovaries in there when there is a potential for another major surgery. My thoughts were to do it once and be done with it.

Recovery was not bad for me.. I went into it in good health and good attitude and followed the Dr. orders. www.hystersisters.com was a great help to me when researching and reading everyone's story.

It is a very personal decision that you have to make for yourself and no one else.

I have 2 friends who had a hysterectomy the same year I did and they opted to keep ovaries. One of those friends I am in constant contact with tells me she regrets that decision because she still PMS's every month. Of course, that is what she tells me about how it effects her.

All I know is I never looked back with any ounce of regret and I would do it again tomorrow if needed.

Had mine out. Never went on hormone replacement etc. I was 43 too. Just dealt with hot flashes etc. Never looked back. Good luck.

I had one ovary left due to an emergency surgery when I was young. So when I had my hysterectomy we took everything that was left. My doctor stated that if I left the ovary there was a possibility in a few years that I would have to have another surgery to remove the ovary. So why have two surgeries for one issue?

I was on HRT for a bit. There is no way to tell if the HRT and my breast cancer were related. I don't think so. But all was caught early and I am fine.

If you are finished having children it should be a no brainer. I do not miss not having a period as my cycles were very heavy. The money you save in not needing sanitary products is well worth it.

As I mentioned in another post it will take about six months to completely heal the body internally. You will feel fine around a month or so. Just take it easy and do not push your body before it is ready to do things. Enjoy life.

the other S.

I had a partial hysterectomy 6 years ago. I used to have migraines with the start of my period. I still have my ovaries and rarely have migraines like I used to. Now dehydration can cause a nasty migraine.

Do you have fibroids? My uterus was basically one fibroid. I kept my ovaries to prevent having to use hormones for a long time.

Not the answer you were looking for but a different perspective.

I didn't have my ovaries removed, but I have primary ovarian failure, so basically, they are there, but not working. I'll say the biggest unwanted side effect of my bum ovaries is my complete lack of sexual desire. Your ovaries make testosterone, also, so you may notice a drop in the desire area if you have them taken out. Be prepared to face that, and the fact that there is really nothing on the market (other than one drug) that can possibly help with this. And even this one drug has mixed results. I tried the testosterone cream but the side effects of that were too much for me. The lack of desire something I struggle with daily. It can be stressful on the marriage and also very,very frustrating at times.

Have them take everything. Why not? I know several women who've had it all gone and they never missed it.

i have no helpful advice for you, but since the subject has been raised, want to implore you all to avoid Premarin. the industry involves abusive practices in keeping the pregnant mares (yes, the name actually stands for Pregnant Mare Urine) and has resulted in an outflow of unwanted badly bred colts who are shipped in nightmarish packed truckloads to canada and mexico to get stuffed into cans.
if you use HRT, please ask for alternatives.
sorry to hijack your thread, and good luck.
khairete
S.