skip to main content

Hysterectomy and having the ovaries removed

24 years ago

My doctor gave me the option of a hysterectomy for my problems and since I am over 45, he said it would be beneficial to also remove my ovaries. This is due to the proven studies of women over 45 getting cancer if their ovaries are not removed. Has anyone had their ovaries removed and if so, how do you feel?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Lorran
24 years ago
AS You know I feel S----. I wish I had left my ovaries intact. I would like to remove a few doctors testicles and give them injections of different types of testosterone and see if they get side effects and such. I bet they do.
MarionR
Original Author
24 years ago
Has anyone had a better outcome than Lorran. I really need to hear both sides of this issue. TIA
Related Discussions
Have you had a hysterectomy?
Q
Comments (40)
I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 36 due to an ovarian cycst the size of a grapefruit. (It had become that large in a matter of 3 weeks). They had prepared us for it being cancerous but luckily it was not. When they opened me up, I also had endometrosis everywhere. They literally had to scrape all my internal organs and even removed my appendix. I had already had uteral surgery to help me get pregnant and a C-section with the smiley shaped incision but they had to do a huge incision that goes from above my belly button all the way down to you know what! It kinda looks like an anchor with both incisions. Let me say this was way back in 1986 so alot has changed since then. I took estrogen and progestone for a few years then dropped it to just estrogen. I stoppped that about 10 years ago now and my biggest complaint is that everything on me is dry. I have tried the creams and stuff but nothing seems to work. Hot flashes come and go but overall that isn't my main issue. I still have paps done every three years - its actually more of the lining of course but you should still be checked for endometrial cancer. The estrogen threat is not just for the ovarian cancer but also breast. It was actually my husband who suggested I talk with my doctor about stopping the estrogen as it was being discussed among the doctors at the cancer center where he works in Radiation Therapy. As I said that was 10 years ago or more. So much depends on your age - I was so young at the time, the hormones were basically a necessity but now I am glad I have stopped them.
...See More
Perimenopause with only ovaries
Q
Comments (1)
I had the same symptoms but not at the same time. I also had hysterectomy but kept ovaries. They tested me for RA because my joint hurt so badly. Thyroid in normal rAnge. Fsh is in "normal" range. So! Anti depressants just put on more weight. That's what was missing! Now estrace cream for hot flashes and bladder leakage. All the trips to the doctor made me feel like a hypochondriac. I'm 50 by the way. I was always small but now can't get weight off. I loose 2 pounds and 2 days later its back. Any advice would be appreciated.
...See More
need ovaries removed but I can't have HRT
Q
Comments (1)
There are herbal supplements you can take that work similarly to estrogen. Do a search. I recommend Susun Weed's book, "Menopause" for ways to understand it and get through it naturally. https://www.amazon.com/New-Menopausal-Years-Alternative-ALTERNATIVE/dp/B007NBWWH8 Do the surgery and deal with menopause. It's better than dealing with cancer. Wishing you good health.
...See More
So tell me about hysterectomy's....
Q
Comments (17)
First and foremost -- hugs to you, Vickey, and lots of good healing thoughts going your way... I had a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy (both of the ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed as well as the uterus) in the second week of December 1992. As the others have said, it's one of the best things I've ever done. :-) My GYN, for whom I worked for several years and I trust him with my life, said that once the uterus is removed, the ovaries have a greater tendency to "go bad," so if there isn't an overwhelming reason to keep them they should be removed at the same time. It's easier than having a second surgery at a later date to remove the ovaries (when they do "go bad"). I had endometriosis and huge fibroids. I was on Lupron injections for four months (once a month for the four months) prior to the surgery, to shrink the fibroids. My last period was after the first Lupron injection... then no more "worries." :-) My doctor had scheduled me for a vaginal hysterectomy. When he started the surgery he found that the fibroids were still too large to easily do the hysterectomy vaginally... By all rights, he could have "switched gears" and done an abdominal surgery, but his position was that he'd told me he'd do it vaginally, so by golly, that's what he was going to do. He "cut up" the uterus (internally) so that he could remove it a section at a time. The surgery took about 5 hours (but, hey, I was under full anesthesia, so I didn't know). Normally, I would have been discharged as early as the next afternoon, but I developed a slight fever, so I ended up staying in for a week. The hospital I was in had really good food (amazing, I know), so I didn't mind. :-) After I was discharged, I would tire easily, but I didn't have any pain that wasn't tolerable. I could have gone back to work after 2 weeks, but it was Christmastime, and I had more than enough sick leave hours to cover the time I was gone, so I didn't go back to work until Monday January 4, 1993. Still, I was out for less than a month. I took Premarin pills for a while after the surgery but I didn't really think that I needed them, so I stopped taking them. I've never had a "traditional" hot flash or night sweats. You really don't have anything to worry about as far as the surgery is concerned. You'll do fine. And, I'm guessing that the doctors will recommend removing your ovaries, since you have the early cancer cells. No sense in taking any unnecessary risks.
...See More
bulldinkie
24 years ago
I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago and they left my ovaries in. i tell you the dr told me you hold on to that uterus..Didnt matter i was bleeding to death. Well after we tried everything she left it up to me if I want it out she will. so we did. Im grateful for no more periods but my middle name is now shi- I feel so bads all the time. But any way after all the tests etc she told me it was good I had it out I had 4-5 things going on that all could have been serious if left go. so if I would have held on to it like she said where would I be today? Now Im getting sharp pains where my ovary is hmmm what next?
BarbatHoneyGrove
24 years ago
In June 2000 the uterus went and everything was supposed to be fine. In early Dec. 2000 I noticed discomfort in left lower abdomen when I layed on it. It went away so I assumed it was a wicked ovulation. Mid-January it started again. Called the doctor. Had an ultrasound. More fibroids on the left ovary. In March I had a scan and found that the fibroids were larger. I had both ovaries removed plus a lymph node in June 2001. In six months time they had grown to the size of a football. Post-op I was miserable. Felt out of sorts for four months. I have been on Estratest since the surgery and have stuck with it and I feel almost normal.

Frankly, I had problems with heavy periods, cramping, pms from the time I started my first period at age 9. I am happy to be done with it and happy to finally feel like I can live.

Barb D.
Dtkaty
24 years ago
I had my uterus, cervix & ovaries removed 11 yrs ago this April & I have never regretted the surgery for a nanosecond. I do have to take HRT but that's OK by me. Not having to endure monthly pain, mood swings, contraception, etc. is a blessing for me.
ALso, my sex life improved tremendously b/c there was no chance of pregnancy. In my case, it's been fabulous.
Hope this helps.
catherinet
24 years ago
Hi Marion,
I think it's going to be hard for you to make a decision, based on everyone else's experience. I have found that women really vary, as to their responses to having hysterectomies. I think everyone should take having their uterus removed very seriously. It isn't like having your appendix out. It is so much more complicated. I understand your doc's concern about your ovaries. BUT.......if you don't have a family history of ovarian cancer, and you have occasional trans-vaginal ultrasound, I think leaving your ovaries alone is probably best. You could possibly use them for at least another 10 years.
I wish there was an easy, cut-and-dried answer for you, but there's not. It's almost a trial and error thing........you'll have to make a choice, and see how it goes. But don't always assume the doctor's suggestions about cutting things out is the best. Good luck to you!
cattknap
24 years ago
I had a hysterectomy when I was 37 (I'm 51 now). I have my ovaries. Sooo happy to have had a hysterectomy - really, my life improved so much - was up and about my usual routine in 2 weeks - although had to stay off my feet in the afternoons for a while because of swelling - that went away. No hormone therapy. I have been in menopause for 18 months with the lightest of symptoms. Bottom line: I'm glad I kept my ovaries - it seemed like the natural thing to do since I was 37. Not sure what I would do at 45. Have a positive attitude whatever you do and don't listen to negative people - attitude really is everything.

Related Stories

LAUNDRY ROOMS Houzz TV: Mother of 6 Rocks Her Laundry Space

By Mitchell Parker

You may have read the story — now see in action the clever DIY solutions that make this laundry room an organizational heaven

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Gardening for the Bees, and Why It’s a Good Thing

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you discover how hard bees work for our food supply, you may never garden without them in mind again

DECORATING GUIDES Step Away From the Wallpaper: Why Decorating Risks Are Overrated

By Laura Gaskill

Want to find your signature style? Try staying inside your comfort zone

Sponsored