1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Ovarian Cyst

Night Sweats and Hot Flushes After Unilateral Oophorectomy

Posted , 33 users are following.

deejaybee
deejaybee

Hello everyone,

I've decided to write to you all because I am struggling to find much information about the different types or intensities of hormonal changes immediately after the removal of one ovary.

5 days ago, I had a 10cm complex cyst removed along with my left ovary. The surgeon said my uterus and other ovary looked good. 

3 days ago I started my period - on its due date - and the day after that started experiencing intense night sweats (to the point of having to change my bedding and clothes) and hot flushes which felt like waves of heat rising up my neck, into my cheeks and face and lasting a minute or two. Worse than anything was the night sweats though - freezing outside of the blanket, dripping wet and boiling under it. I have barely slept 12 hours since the surgery.

I'm surprised by how little information is out there about the hormonal "shift" that simply must occur in one's body when one 'stage' of the reproductive loop is removed from the equation. I wish my surgeon had given me more information but perhaps even more information would not have satisfied my inherent feeling that my right, remaining ovary is actually dead and I've gone into menopause.

More likely, I think, is that my ovary is stunned from the full cut surgery and losing its mate and that it will take time to wake up. But in the interim, are menopausal like symptoms something anyone here has experienced after the removal of just one ovary? I keep being told that no, I won't be menopausal if I have one ovary left, but the health of the ovary is still to be seen. I have no kids and would be completely shattered to go into early menopause (I am 33). 

I know it's early days - and last night I actually had far few 'wet episodes' which made me feel really positive today. I also spoke to my surgeon who said that it is a bit 'unusual' that I am experiencing menopausal symptoms but that she thinks my righty is just fast asleep and will be engaged again soon.

I wonder how my period might play a role and if this is a good sign that it arrived as expected 3 days after surgery? Could my right ovary and brain already have had negotiations and it's already employed and earning benefits, and I'm just feeling a "general" drop in hormones due to the shock loss of its sister ovary?

Someone, please encourage me that this isn't going to be my story...early menopause at 33 before I've had the chance to have a baby with the love of my life?

(Still waiting on biopsy results but my surgeon doesn't seem too concerned that this giant thing in me was malignant. It looked like a giant testicle! I got her to take a photo.......)

3 likes, 51 replies

51 Replies

Prev Next
  • julie66486
    julie66486 deejaybee

    Posted

    Hi DeeJayBee,

    Thanks so much for posting this. I just tried to goole these symptoms myself.

    I had right side overy and tube removed 11 days ago and last night experienced night sweats and today hot flashes. Doc didnt metion a thing about this as a post recovery symptom, so like you am wondering how long the weeping etc. and general hormonal rollercoaster can be expected to continue. I'm 45 and have two children and was perimenopausal prior to surgery (as my period has not been regular for about a year.)

    How are you feeling now, 6 months later?

    Hope things are better for you.

     

    • seewong1
      seewong1 julie66486

      Posted

      I am same age as you when i removed the right ovary and tube. It was in early January. About 3 weeks later I experienced hot flashes and slight night sweat for days. On and off for 1-2 months till about late March when I finally ovulate (I knew because of the watery jelly like discharge). Then I had my first period since surgery in mid April and was all fine now.

      So dun worry. I had exactly same concern and worry as your before but like a few others said here, it will pass and things will get back on track again. Dont worry coz it will delay your period/ovulation process.

      I also wish to know the recovery of deejaybee!

  • TucsonTerry
    TucsonTerry deejaybee

    Posted

    Deejaybee,

    How are you doing now? I appreciate your post so much. I had one ovary removed due to a cyst and immediately started having drenching night sweats with chills. My doctor wouldn't take my calls and her Nurse Practitioner told me to "try ice packs."  I tried every kind of hormone replacement pill, and they did nothing at all for me. Finally, I got referred to a compounding pharmacy that makes "troches." They are like pills that dissolve under your tongue --getting into your blood without going through the digestive track. They definitely help. I no longer have to change my pj's multiple times a night or wash sweat-drenched bedsheets every morning. However, I still have chills and sweats every night. It's been 5 years now. I had hoped it would get better on its own, but it hasn't.

    How long has it been for you now, and have you found any answers?

    Terry  

    • cassie_d
      cassie_d TucsonTerry

      Posted

      Hi Tucson Terry!

      I just had my surgery 2 days ago. Right ovary and fallopian tube are gone due to a 4 inch teratoma. I "think" I have started my period this morning. I woke up to more cramping than I've had since surgery and more bleeding, with darker red. Is this a good sign? That my remaining ovary is doing it's job? Also, I know you said it's been 5 years, so I was wondering if you have gained or lost any weight due to the one ovary loss? I've not experienced the hot flashes or night sweats do far, and pray I do not, but if I do, I will most definitely look into the medication you mentioned. Thank you!

    • jill04811
      jill04811 cassie_d

      Posted

      I’m sure you will be fine, although I know it’s hard not to worry especially when there is so little information around, I think it just takes time. I had my left ovary and tube removed due to a teratoma cyst in October 2017 and was 47 at the time. I hadn’t had any gynae symptoms at all, but was picked up on a back scan as I have complex spinal and Si joint issues. My period returned 2 weeks after the op at the normal time, but then mynext 2 periods were late. I was always a 28 day cycle, but after the op then went to around 40 days for the next 2 cycles. My periods since then have gone to around 21/22 days. This last week i’ve Started with hot flushes. I had them after surgery for around 3 weeks and they then stopped, but have come back with a vengeance this last week. I’m now 48 and don’t plan to have more children so have no worries from that front, but am hoping the body is still adjusting rather than going straight into menopause. From what I’ve read on this board, it does seem to take a while to readjust so please don’t worry, you are very early days post surgery. Rest up and take the time to recover, your body has just been through a trauma and will take time. In terms of weight, I am small to start with, but lost half a stone since this surgery (cyst was 7cm and tahnkfully came back as benign) and still can’t manage to eat much at a time, but always did have a small appetite. Some people have lost more but I guess it depends upon the size of your cyst and other issues that people may or may not have experienced. Take care and try to rest as much as you can!

      . 

  • tar2017
    tar2017 deejaybee

    Posted

    hi everyone, thank you for this thread... very helpful and informative. I'm scheduled for a unilateral ovary removal on Monday. I had a weird episode of inter menstrual bleeding with sudden lower back pain and slight nausea last November.  A mixed echogenic mass in an enlarged ovary was discovered in my right ovary and turns out it's not a cyst according to my consultant. She thinks it's some kind of inflammation which has since shrunk but remained pretty much the same the last couple of months. All my blood work is fine, noone is really worried as they say there's nothing to indicate it's anything sinister and they figured it would probably resolve itself. Since i'm still having lots of back and frontal pain, they suggested laparscopy to investigate further. They are happy to take the ovary and tube and treat anything else they may find on the spot. Not knowing what exactly is going on, I jumped at the chance of having it taken out. I'm 32, 2 small children and family pretty much complete so I'm not precious about losing an ovary if I can find out for sure what's gone wrong. I'm trying to get as prepared as I can, the only comparable I have is a 2016 c - section from which i recovered fairly quickly.... had some gas pain, bleeding and discomfort so i figure this may be different but on a similar level. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery!!

  • deejaybee
    deejaybee

    Edited

    I thought I'd give an update here! 

    Everything normalised...and one year to the day of my surgery I conceived (or at least the 'precursor to' conception) my first baby. She's now 6 weeks old. Turns out that one ovary was doing a good job making up for the other...

    Considering I've been with my husband for 16 years and we've never used protection, I believe my left ovary was causing my to be infertile since as soon as it was removed and my body recovered, I made me a baby!

    I hope you all are doing better.

    P.S. with my nightsweats, I stopped taking the pain medication 'tramadol' and the sweats slowed to almost nothing - I'm not sure if it was related.

    All the best to everyone! 

    • seewong1
      seewong1 deejaybee

      Posted

      So happy for u!!! Lovely baby!!

      By the way, how old were u when u had the surgery?

      It has been almost 2 years and my period is not coming back.... so sad...

  • jill04811
    jill04811 deejaybee

    Posted

    What wonderful news deejaybee, i’m thrilled for you! I think sometimes removing one damaged ovary really does help the body stabilise. I’m 11 months post op, but my cycle is still completely to pot. After my surgery last October I came on 2 weeks after surgery as normal, but then developed a pattern of 40 ish day cycles that then moved to 20 ish day cycles. I then went 3 months without a period and then was very very light, the next came after two months and was very heavy and now i’ve Come on after 3 weeks so my body is completely confused. I do have hot flushes on and off. When I have them I have them really badly for a couple of weeks and then nothing for for a few months. On the other hand i’ve had to have 4 surgeries within 18 months, one being this and the other 3 being major spinal surgeries including fusions. I’m 48 so am probably heading into menopause but my body has been through a lot lately that it really doesn’t know where it’s upto. My consultant thinks HRT May help, but i’m trying to avoid it if possible, Anyway, it’s great to hear such lovely news, enjoy your precious bundle!
  • linda24454
    linda24454 deejaybee

    Posted

    Hi there

    I know this is an old thread but really pleased to have found it. I had a unilateral removal of ovary and tube plus cyst two weeks ago. Only today it started dawning on me that I am having frequent hot flushes.

    I still have a mirena coil in place which should help normalize my hormones but had begun to wonder what if my right one doesnt actually work??? perhaps like you my body is in limbo while it heals.

    Hope everyone on the thread is feeling well now x

  • OdmanResearch
    OdmanResearch deejaybee

    Posted

    I had 3 fibroids removed by myomectomy back in 2002.I was offered a hysterectomy (@age32newly wed).

    Scarring left me with only one open tube post surgery. One fibroid penetrated both the internal and external roof of my uterus. I went for IVF and though twice about it, and decided to adopt. Adoption is super hard but I have the love of my dreams, ( he's three and adorable).

    After we adopted met son, I  realized how much it was affecting my ability to give him my best, I went full throttle into researching who was doing the most cases by a Vinci robot and had enough procedures under his belt to feel he was competent.He reluctantly scheduled it after I begged. I had been dealing with this horrible ovarian cysts/fibroids/swollen Fallopian tubes that they just wanted to keep watching, (yeah they'll shrink my ar*e) the same ones Scrips Misdiagnosed as garden variety cysts after exploratory surgery turned out to be a large 10 cm Benignn tumor of mylLeft Ovary plus multiple "chain of pearl cysts" on the fallopian tubes. I didn't have one oversized ovary but rather a multitude of "pearls" (bottle and severe strain ln my tube) and I made it clear I wanted it ALL gone. I didn't need the estrogen antagonizing the chronic migraine I battle as well, so I skipped HRT.

     I was already having heat flashes and heavy bleeding since I was 35 and  "perimonpausal". After the hysterectomy with dual oophorectomy My head aches lessened in tendency and severity. I keep baby wipes to wipe me down when that prickly heat starts, but each day less. I know no surgery is risk free but I do regret not getting it all yanked at age 32 rather than go.

     through the next 13 years of pain, heartache and disappointment. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. The hot flashes will get better with time and I think skipping the HRT for my particular case was better than putty my body back on that roller coaster.

    Lemon wet one wipes (not antibacterial), first the face, swiped under the boobs as well as the face. It will get better. Cornstarch in the bra, Sleep with air conditioner on 66 degrees and ask your doctor to give yo a dosage for Melatonin. It's a naturally produce hormone in most people that helps the body cool 0 exotherm, get it's rest.

    Hang in the there. Every day it will get better, but always remember that as women we will have to advocate for ourselves. Feel better. 

    My doctor tried controlling my  dual issues

  • elissa94
    elissa94 deejaybee

    Posted

    hello everybody!

    About four months ago i had my right ovary removed because i had a cyst that was 22cm. The doctor said my left ovary was in good condition and i actually had my period a week after my surgery. I'm aware that when a female gets both ovaries removed they have hormonal issues but no one speaks about the hormonal issues with only one ovary . I've been having mood swings and ive been very tearful. im not sure if this has to do with the lost of my ovary or not but i feel that it does. THANK YOU FOR THIS POST. If anyone has been feeling emotional after the surgery please add to this thread! im only 24, i have no kids and I FEEL more emotional than i have ever been

  • nicole59709
    nicole59709 deejaybee

    Posted

    Hello:

    As another poster indicated I know your original post is 2 years old, however, I was hoping you could provide some insight! I had one ovary and fallopian tube removed 24 days ago. I had my last period approximately 1 week prior to December 3 and nothing yet. I have, for the last 3 days, had immense night sweats - i've had to change 3 times! i was also advised that i should still be able to have children with 1 ovary. I'm 45 and already have 2 beautiful little guys - i wasn't however, ready for full on menopause! any thoughts, recommendations??

    • christine38638
      christine38638 nicole59709

      Posted

      Hi Nicole, I, too, had an ovary and fallopian tube removed in late January, and have had a similar experience. Had one period about two weeks post surgery, then skipped the last two months and have had night sweats and hot flashes, averaging about 4 a day. The night sweats and hot flashes are not as intense as the first month, so I am hopeful. Even though I am 42, I am not ready for menopause!

      Like you, three docs told me I should still be able to menstruate and have children with one ovary, so this was a surprise. My situation is different in that I am a lymphoma survivor, 6 years in remission, and believe chemo aged my ovaries, but was still hoping for some time before the "Second Spring" came into full bloom.

      I am researching to find more answers and might see a fertility specialist. In the meantime, am trying to maintain a healthy diet with flaxseed, plenty of greens, protein and dairy, like Greek yogurt. Also, I invested in a diffuser with essential oils. And I am trying to keep a positive mindset, finding things to be grateful for and identifying ways to empower myself. But, I know how frightening and devastating this experience can be. I've had bouts of tears. Will share anything that helps!

  • joalice73
    joalice73 deejaybee

    Posted

    I had one ovary and one tube removed on the 22nd December and up to yesterday was quite number of emotions but yesterday couldn't stop crying and feeling very blue now I don't know if it was just the time of year but I am also struggling to work out what to expect emotions and period wise. I feel better today but it was almost like the blues you can get on the third day after having a baby.

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.