Keep ovaries or not? Personal experiences?
Posted , 6 users are following.
I’m going to get a laparoscopic hysterectomy soon. Big fibroids and pain. Question is, keep ovaries or not? My mom had pancreatic cancer, but I don’t have the brca genes i do have have breast atypical lobular and ductal hyperplasia (precancerous) and some grandmother history of breast cancer. I’m almost 52, not yet menopausal. Probably close tho. If I remove ovaries, increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and, oddly, lung cancer. But lower breast and of course ovarian. Ideas? Surgeon says get it all out. Of course. She’s a surgeon.
if anyone had their ovaries out, not for a cancer diagnosis, are you content with that decision. also having some pelvic floor reconstruction .
0 likes, 9 replies
diana1210 lilum
Posted
I had a laparoscopic hysrectomy and my doctor recomended to leave my ovaries in as im young (36) and ive never had abnormal pap smears and no family history of cancer. I also had large painful fibroids and after my surgery ive felt normal and so far no change in my hormones and im pain free! Wish you luck one thing i did is lots of research but I also had an amazing doctor that listened to my concerns and recomended the best for my situation
charlotte03107 lilum
Posted
I was 48 and my doctor said it was a no brainer to get them removed because of my age. she explained that any menopausal side effects would be happening already so I wasn't really putting myself at extra risk where ovarian cancer was a bigger concern - even though they were healthy and I have no history. I was so in two minds i sought advice from other professionals and they all said the same.
So I'd advise to do it.
hope that helps.
lilum charlotte03107
Posted
thank you. if i may ask, how long ago was that, and how do you feel now?
charlotte03107 lilum
Posted
It was in August. I feel great now but I did have trouble getting myself together. I'm on HRT obviously which takes a while to kick in but I also lost a lot of confidence and was very anxious. I'm now on a very low dosage of anxiety meds and it's completely revolutionised my life!
lilum charlotte03107
Posted
i have breast ductal and lobular hyperplasia, can't do HRT. saw a urogyno yesterday and my God. stitches here, mesh there, anchor this, sew that... with no guarantee that it would not fail soon. i'm not sure about doing so many things in addition to the hysterectomy. i feel i got caught in an appointments/schedulers machine. i want to step back and think about it all first.
charlotte03107 lilum
Posted
I do think then if HRT is not an option then you should keep your ovaries as the effects without treatment will be huge (and shouldn'tbe under-estimated!) and it sounds like you have enough to deal with!
Sometimes they suggest keeping one in but I'm not sure whether it's worth it.
There is so much to consider and try not to stress. At least you're on the right path and ask me any other questions you may have!
x
lilum charlotte03107
Posted
indeed. did you have any reconstructive surgery at the same time? the surgeon i saw wanted me to talk to a urogynecologist. that one really made me reconsider the whole thing, he proposes cystocele and rectocele and vaginal vault repairs (apparently i have 1, out of 4 degree), none of which bother me in any way. bladder mesh, sling to the sacrum, and so many stitches all over. with potential for incontinence or sexual dysfunction, and "think about it in terms of 2-3 years, after which it could fail and you need repeat surgery." but i am okay now, what are we fixing?? he said taking the uterus out might, MIGHT make things worse. well, it might not... i do want that big blob sitting on my spine (6cm) out, but at what cost...
welshgirl67 lilum
Posted
hi
every consultant have there own take on things however I had my tvh 2 years ago and I was told to leave them in as healthy.
I'm age 52 and fudge went through menopause at age 45 naturally.
I believe if there are no risk with any hereditary condition I would leave them there.
even though they stop producing estrogen they still have there usues in the body.
yiu must make yiur9 decision on the best for you .good
dm2136 lilum
Posted
Hi there, i was 45 and had abdominal hysterectomy due to one large degenerating and then many smaller fibroids. My surgeon said remove, my well woman physio specialising in gynae and pelvic issues in hospital said to keep ....i kept them as they may still produce something... a surgeon advised my husband many years to only ever remove whatever is essential at the time...that struck a chord with me and my physio who deals with all sorts of issues women hve after surgery said the same so I went with it. just weigh it up and make the decision that is right for you. Best of luck x