Hi above gives some good advice many women feel leaving one ovary is good for hormones which is true,,,,,leaving the uterus that is causing yo serious issues for years, has nothing to do with hormones, it wold only enable a pap test to pcik up any cancer cells,,,,which if you dont have the ovary wold not be there,,,its a circle,,which choice to make.
All surgeries/illness'es cause life change often including depression/anxiety. Health is pressious so of corse one would be anxious of it....there are a host of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications that are avaible for short term use to help women after surgery.\\
Bio-identical hormone replacement is worth reading up on...good for many women...a isse when cancer is involved.
also at 42 your likely peri menopausal anyways..and in 5 or so years wold be dealing with menopause,,,,its not so bad for most..if it is help is out there. There is a new specialty of Nurse Practioners who help specifically with menopause, meds, exercise, psych help like visualisation the whole 9 yards they are the best !
Are you leaving one ovary or none? If you don't have any ovaries, then I would take the uterus too. If you are keeping an ovary, you may want to leave the uterus. I had to have a total hysterectomy and oopherectomy due to ovarian cancer three years ago. I was 37 at the time. Dealing with the total lack of hormones has been terrible for me. I already have osteoporosis and I am 40. I took the recommended calcium every day and did weight bearing exercise, but this didn't prevent hte osteoporosis. Menopause brings aches, pains, depression, weight gain and loss of libido. Orgasms are different because your uterus can't contract if it isn't there. Vaginal dryness is also more of a problem. These issues have affected my quality of life even though I tried to prevent them from happening. At first, I thought they were due to my cancer. But, I never had chemo and only had the surgery. After talking to many women who have had hysterectomies, I have found most do have some negative long lasting symptoms. You have truly endured a lot with your cysts, so I understand your point of view. Some women don't have trouble after this type of surgery. It is truly a personal decision. Good luck on making your choice!