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Hormone problems after total hysterectomy (still have ovaries)

I am a 29 year old mother of 3 and I had a total hysterectomy in Nov.  Since I had the surgery I have developed acne really bad!  I have tried everything from pro active to hair tied back and no makeup.  I called my obgyn and he said that because I still have my ovaries it most likely is due to something else.  I find this answer hard to believe because I seem to also be emotional all the time and even when I am cold I have rings of sweat under my arms!  I am happy that I do not have my period any more but it seems like I am going through puberty again.  I still get cramps but not as bad when it is my time of the month.  I asked my doctor if I could get my thyroid checked just in case.  I don't want to sound like a hypochondriac, but I am miserable!  Help!
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I had a hysterectomy at the age if 25. They removed uterus cervix fallopian tubes but left my ovaries because of my age. My ovaries at the time of surgery had cysts the size of golf balls but dr still insist they stay and prescribed birth control pills to shrink these cysts. Well the pill made me sick, and so did OTC estrogen, not to mention my moods were out of control. I have all the same symptoms, hot flashes, acne,cramps,the feeling of morning sickness , and my balance is off,every since my surgery. I would suggest having your ovaries checked, it could very well be cysts which can lead to more problems. I am 37 now and still experiencing these symptoms but over time learned how to cope. I hope this might have helped.
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I'm sorry you are suffering. Ovarian hormone production can become impaired after hysterectomy. Sometimes it is temporary but it can be permanent. Normal ovarian hormone production is vital to good health our whole lives. Hormone "replacement" can help with symptoms and mitigate some of the health risks.
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If you are in North America, you can use the North American Menopause Society's "find a menopause practitioner" tool here:
http://www.menopause.org/for-women/find-a-menopause-practitioner
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This isn't true, a total hysterectomy means removal of the uterus and cervix not ovaries. I just had a total hysterectomy but I still have 1 ovary.
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There is about a 40% chance that the ovaries will fail after hysterectomy. And even if they do not fail, they are likely to produce less hormones than the ovaries of intact women (whose ovaries continue to produce hormones into their 80's for optimal health and well-being). So if this is the case, hormone replacement can help alleviate symptoms and have some health benefits. Studies show that estrogen taken alone (without a progestin) is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
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Had hysterodomy  back in 03 and was left with my ovaries. Was doing a search and my symtoms are like yours, did you ever get any results or imput on your dianogses
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I had a total hysterectomy in 2000, they took every thing , my uterus, my ovaries and my tubes , cervix, I started having bad anxiety a little after the surgery, I dont want o take hormones because of cancer and heart disease that runs in my family I know its been 13 yrs after my hysterectomy, but the anxiety and the irritable , cant sleep  in the last 2 yrs has gotten worse I need to go see my doctor but have no ins, but I giving in from the advise from my family and thank God I have a very understanding husband and family ,and I am totally against anti-depressants and don't want to take the hormones either, but I do need something for the anxiety , the irritability and the agitation . so does any one know what the dr might prescribe for me ? im 55 yrs old !
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I had a total hysterectomy in 2000, don't take any form of hormones because of the risk of cancer and heart problems, that run in my family. they took uterus, ovaries and my tubes, and my cervix, to answer your  question yes I have the tingling still and the anxiety and panic attacks hot flashes, and its been 14 yrs since I have had the surgery. my attacks were really bad a year after my surgery , they seemed to get some better that I could deal with them, but about 2yrs ago the anxiety and the panic attacks have been getting worse I find my self not being able to cope with things that I could have before. I wish they was something I could take to help me with the anxiety attacks they have gotten really bad to the point I feel scared  all the time,cant sleep at night, it scares me to even think about having to get out and drive any where ! its miserable !
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I agree with the previous poster, Susan. Why is there no commercial testosterone product for women in the U.S. and Canada especially with the high rates of hysterectomy? Women lose around 50% of their testosterone after ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure. I understand they have the Intrinsia testosterone patch in the UK. They had started a clinical trial of it here in the U.S. but abandoned it part-way through, if I recall correctly :(

Susan - I am sorry you had cancer but glad to hear you are doing well. I know a lot of doctors will not prescribe HRT after gynecologic cancer which is a shame since it can make for a life not worth living.  

I am curious if you have had any hair loss since your surgery. I lost most of my hair within months post-op and it has not grown back in. It has been 8 years so it is probably too late now. I often wonder if testosterone would have prevented the massive hair loss as long as I did not overdose on it. Oddly, my arms are hairier and I have facial "peach fuzz."
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Hi, I am 48 years old and had a total and complete hysterectomy due to 2 primary cancers 9 years ago..ovarian and uterine.  They removed everything including my ovaries.  I went 7 months without any kind of hormone. I WAS MISERABLE.  All the same symptoms that every other woman is describing.  No sleep, fatigue, depression, anger, headaches, no sex drive etc.  I eventually went on 2 pumps per day of Estrogel (topical estrogen..the same one breast cancer survivors are given here in Canada) ...voila no more night sweats or flashes all day long.. (no wonder menopausal women don't sleep!).  I will only do transdermal bioidentical hormones.  Nothing by mouth so my liver and digestive tract do not have to try so hard to detoxify afterwards.  I have a testosterone cream compounded for me and had to figure out how much to take as the recommendation was too much for me..my body hates the male androgens.  I take this 6 days per week and no more weepy depression or severe exhaustion. Too much though and I will grow hair on my face and get angrier. Unfortunately, they do not make testosterone strictly for women so one must get the kind they use for men compounded.  Each woman is different and will require different amounts depending on her bodies reaction to it.  Finally I have a small amount of  estriol cream (the better estrogen) made up and it is inserted 2 times per week at night.  It's such a small amount that it really isn't that messy or inconvenient.  This keeps all of the internal tissues healthy and moist because without estrogen a woman will dry out and infections will set in.  I know because after 7 months, I was at that stage.  The only thing that I still struggle with is sexual desire.  I have no problem with orgasms but "wanting" it is another thing. (tho it could be my rocky relationship too cause my plumbing works perfectly!).  Anyway, hope this helps someone somewhat.

On a final note, I wish someone would come up with testosterone just for a woman's body!   And ladies, you need to be aware of the kind of estrogens your body is being replaced with...be as safe and healthy as possible and do some research on your own as well.

All the best...S
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Avatar universal
Wow gooselove! I'm sorry you went thru all of that.

I had my hysterectomy almost 10 years ago, kept ovaries. I have been having constant, daily headaches and migraines ever since! In addition to brain fog, anxiety, mood swings, no libido, and insomnia. I recently put 2 & 2 together and realized all of this started when I had the surgery. I just didn't realize it was all connected, so I would go to the doctor for the most unbearable symptom and not the rest of them because they were tolerable. Anyway, I do have a family history of breast cancer, so I can't go the HRT route. I began taking Estroven. I've only been on it a few days, but I'm already feeling a lot better. I also ordered another all natural herb that look like they have promise. Anyone having hormonal imbalance should look into Peruvian Maca.

You are your best advocate. You know your own body better than anyone else! I had to become proactive and diagnose myself. If I left it up to my incompetent doctors I would still be suffering in silence and on antidepressants. That is their cure all for every ailment now.  I am 39 which is why I have been dismissed so easily for a hormonal/premenopausal condition, but I had a hysterectomy so it's not really that far of a stretch!

Good luck and good health!
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Hi, I found your post of over 5 years old and the same year about that I had my partial abdominal supracervical hysterectomy, left ovaries and tubes and due massive scar tissue from Emergency C-Section and massive bleeding brought on due to bad fibroids and a bad D&C my Hemoglobin was only 4 at ER ADMITTANCE so after 4 transfusions and several hours on the OR table with additional tranfusions, Dr. Said she was unable to remove cervix due to high risk of massive blood loss and closed me doing only partial because she said to cut away extensive cervical scar tissue would have been at least 4 more hours and too risky.  Bottom line, I am miserable ever since. No sex drive and unable to achieve orgasm (I had a VERY HIGH sex drive Pre-hyster and Super orgasmic, constant cramps in front and back like I am going to start my period, vaginal/urination smell foul,  complete cranky bitatch, sad, depressed, suicidal feeling.  Horrible fatigue and exhaustion. Awful weight gain.  My Dr. Says everything is OK???? No way!!!!  This is why I dragged it out years and almost bled to death rather than feel this way. Please help. Mimi
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I am 27 yrs old and had a hysyerectomy 7 months ago but still have ovaries and with the past month im verry iritable, emotional, i have night sweats, i gained 15lbs since my sutgery ans just feel lousy!! What is going on with me???
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I had a total hysterectomy including ovary removal in 2008, for uterine cancer. I had a very successful quick surgery recovery, but found myself on the verge of depression. Sloan Kettering having done a great job of getting me thus far, took no responsibility or offered no follow-up for the furtherance of my well-being. Finally one day I met someone who recommended an ENDOCHRINOLOGIST. This is what we need for follow up, and preferably one who understands what's current in bioidentical replacement.  Armour Thyroid, and  bioidentical testosterone cream and Estradiol gel were prescribed and I am happy going on 5 years now. I have my levels checked now and again.
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I too have had a total hysterectomy a year ago and kept my ovaries. I had acne and now it's gone for the most part my ovaries fluctuate as if I had gotten pregnant, started menopause, puberty, then again normal, like clockwork. My depression comes, my weight has increased, not sure the answer for you yet as too when this will subside, one day I have normal lubrication, next it's too much, then it's dry and cycles around again. I was told it will stabilize but not there yet. So hope this at least helps you feel not alone
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hey I had a complete hysterectomy march 13 I am 45 yrs old It wasn't something I wanted to do but I had breast cancer at 43 and it was the fast growing  The said the best thing I could do was to get my ovaries out.I can't take any hormane meds so I'm just gonna have to just wait and see what happens and deal with it. I'm having alot of lower back pain now and my belly still feels bloated but other then that I feel ok for now .Has anyone esle been through the same thing and can tell me maybe what maybe next or are there any things that can help since I can't take hormane meds thanks Sherry
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I had my hysterectomy just 7 weeks ago, they only removed the uterus, I haven't had any real problems other than being unable to sleep properly, restless legs at night, sore breasts and still a bit of a dragging feeling. My main concern is the acne I've developed, especially on my chin and back, although today I have noticed more acne developing around the sides of my face and I do actually look like a hormonal teenager. I will be going to get it checked out as I wouldn't have thought just having the uterus removed would cause it, but it is a big disruption to the body and it has to adjust.
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Your story sounds a lot like mine. I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 36 am now 42.  The first couple of years I lost weight, became in great shape, had lots of energy, no more PMS and a renewed sex life with my spouse.  My hormones had finally evened out from years of bleeding and horrible painful periods. I do however have night sweats and still have trouble sleeping through the night, thats why I am here. I am now having hormonal problems, straing facial hairs, achne, a lot of weight gain, depression and exhaustion and my breast feel like they are going to burst they are so painful. I feel as though I am going through puberty again but I know I wont grow inches to counter this weight..
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I HAVE HAD ENDOMETRIOSIS SINCE I WAS 14 YEARS OLD. (I AM 38 NOW0 I HAVE HAD SO MANY SURGERYS THAT THE SCAR TISSUE FUSED ALL MY REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS TO OTHER PARTS OF MY BODY, WHICH MADE IT VERY PAINFUL TO MOVE OR TWIST A CERTAIN WAY. I HAD A FULL BLOWN HYSTERECTOMY AT AGE 37. THEY REMOVED 12LBS OF SCAR TISSUE AND CYSTS. I AM MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE---NO PAIN AND I DROPPED WEIGHT. MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THAT I GET CANT SLEEP,THE HOT FLASHES ARE HORRIBLE, AND MY SEX DRIVE IS GONE. THAT ***** BECAUSE MY HUBBY IS GORGEOUS.
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Actually, a total hysterectomy means your uterus and cervix was removed.  Having your ovaries removed is called an Oophorectomy.  They can be done at the same time but a hysterectomy has nothing to do with your ovaries.  Do your research before you try to clarify something for someone else.  I had a total hysterectomy.  I did not have an oophorectomy-I still have my ovaries.
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I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in July 2010. The total abdominal hysterectomy consists of the uterus and cervix being removed only. Your ovaries and tubes remain in place. If you opt to have your ovaries removed then in is considered a total abdominal hysterectomy with unilateral or bilateral salpingoophorectomy. The reason I know is my doctor put that description on my surgical consent form because I was facing having my ovaries removed as well due to a large cyst.
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i had my uterus and tubes removed 2 months ago d/t a very large fibroid . i felt great for about a week. no pain!!! then everything went south. I have constant tingling in my upper and lower extremities. severe anxiety, panic attacks.  i would give anything to have hot flahes or crying jags. theses  are common symptoms thatone relates to menopause. i never heard anyone c/o tingling.  please if someone has heard of this please respond. i feel alone in this journey.
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I know that your post was 2 years ago but I wondered if you ever got any answers for the issues you were experiencing? I also had a TOTAL Hysterectomy leaving only my ovaries over 3 years ago and I have had similar issues as well as additional issues. My main concern was my sweating, constant headaches, fatigue, sudden weight gain and loss of energy. Please let me know if you ever received any answers to your concerns or better than that, any relief to them. I have scheduled an appointment to see my OBGYN this week and hope to resolve all of mine.
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i noticed your wrote this article on this forum a couple of years ago, but i need some help.....just 4 weeks ago i had my uterus removed, and my face is a mess, especially my chin....i hardly got a pimple ever, maybe before i started my period here and there, but now i have like 7 acne pimples on my chin, and above my lip and its driving me nuts, there sore and yucky..............i went to the doc today and he gave me stuff that they usally give teenagers for acne problems but since today is the first day i used it i don't know if its going to work or not..................i have an appt with my OBGYN in a couple of weeks so I will defiently mention it to him as well if that medicine doesn't work......i am worried cause I would rather have had 2 periods a month than my face looking like a pizza.................just wondered how did you make out with your acne problem? was it hormonal? stress? or what and did it go away????
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