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[MsUlysses]

Hello, I'm on the waiting list for a hysterectomy after bad fibroids have developed. I think I'm going to lose my cervix because of where the fibroids are but my consultant recommends taking out my ovaries as well as a precaution against cancer later. I've just turned 50 and am managing menopause symptoms with 50g patches and don't really fancy going into surgical menopause. Does anyone know of good sources of information that could help me make an informed decision?

[CLKD]

Hysterectomy may well cause U to go into menopause.  My Gynae always took ovaries as well to 'avoid going in again' .  However, unless there's a likelihood of ovarian cancer I would opt to keep mine.  U could whip over to Ovacome the dedicated support for ovarian cancer and ask.

Also hystersisters ........ make notes ;-).  How do U feel over all?

Once U have the womb removed U will no longer require progesterone unless absolutely necessary.  Hopefully some1 will be along who has undergone the procedures. 

[Taz2]

It's good to hear that you are being given the choice as some women don't seem to be. I had a hysterectomy at aged 60 including cervical removal but I was lucky in that my consultant was of the opinion that they should be left as there was no family history of  ovarian cancer and the ovaries do continue to produce hormone in smaller amounts after menopause. The NHS advice supports this view https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/considerations/

Taz x

[Gnatty]

I was 55 when I had a total hysterectomy and ovaries removed. I had a bad wobble of anxiety about a month after the operation - but COVID was still around and that really fuelled my anxiety - not wanting to cough with abdominal stitches and then I made the awful mistake of googling what might go wrong. So I think I kind of brought the anxiety on myself rather than a massive hormone crash. I was already taking hrt so settled pretty quickly. I do like the fact I don't have to worry about my ovaries and I am lucky that mostly! I feel very well. But I do think there are women that find surgical menopause very difficult. I was worried I had made a terrible mistake but my consultant at Newson Health had also had her ovaries removed and she basically said Nonsense once your hormones are sorted it will be the best thing you'll have done.
I know that's going against the grain but I think to make an informed decision it's worth hearing other view points too. x

[MsUlysses]

Goodness, thank you all so very much for your helpful responses. It's very much appreciated. Don't feel so alone now! I've made an appointment to speak to my GP to help gather more info. Thank you!

[CLKD]

Take a list of concerns with you Ms Ulysses and let us know how you get on.

[Uma17]

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy with BSO 3 years ago at 55 and still in peri. I wasn’t on HRT and started HRT right after the surgery.

There is really good information on the royal college of gynaecologists page. Have a search but it was for me the very best information on what happens and recovery. You also need to discuss your HRT and support after hysterectomy as it is likely that you will need a higher estrogen dose. Possibly testosterone and discuss as well continuing with progesterone if you are current benefiting from it. Even if you keep your ovaries, the lack of blood supply can make them fail within weeks of surgery. You need to be aware of that as when you start experiencing the symptoms of surgical menopause, you could be fobbed off by not so knowledgeable GPs with “it can’t be, you still have ovaries”

It has been absolutely life changing for me in a great way. I had issues for about 20 years with endometriosis, fibroids and hormonal fluctuations which were pretty tough. It’s only after surgery that I realised how bad it was. Now I feel well and balanced. No more debilitating fatigue, no more mood swings. I should add that I am quite fit, I exercise a lot and eat healthily and I’m lucky my life is not stressful. I’m on oestrogen, testosterone and since recently taking utrogestan but only every other day as I feel too groggy when I take it daily.

[Gnatty]

Hi Uma, I'm glad the alternate days utrogestan is working for you, I find it's still the best dose for me. You asked me a while ago about Sandrena, and at the time I had switched back to oestrogel. This however was a mistake and I am definitely much better on the Sandrena. I take 1 mg in the morning and 1 mg at night time. X

[Uma17]

@gnatty Thanks for the update Gnatty! I tried taking utrogestan daily and after a couple of weeks started to feel more and more groggy. Took 3 nights off and alternated again this week. It’s always difficult to judge if something else is going on. A big thank you to you as your posts have helped me 

I’ve now been back on patches (Evorel) 100mcg for 10 days and will see how I get on. I like changing so if I decide to try gel again I will go for sandrena. I went back to patches after finding my oestrogel bottle had exploded in the box with the pump detached from the container… I know it’s been an issue and that they are going back to the old style bottle.