Oopherectomy and ERT

I am having a hysterectomy this week to address a prolapsed uterus and bladder.  I am 48 years old and my mother died of breast cancer at 48.  My gynecologist recommends ovary removal to reduce reproductive cancer risk.  I am peri-menopausal, have not had a period for seven months and have hot flashes that interrupt my sleep every night.

My concern is ERT.  My family doctor says I will be thrown into full-blown menopause if my ovaries are removed and therefore will be put on ERT or my quality of life (more severe hot flashes, risk of depression, etc.) will suffer.  I thought ERT increased breast cancer risk.  She says it does not if your ovaries are removed.  In other words, if you have no estrogren production via your ovaries, replacing it with ERT will not increase cancer risk.

I have no idea whether to have the ovaries removed or not.

Thoughts?

Confused and frozen in Saskatchewan, Canada (minus 50 celsius today!!!)

[jml1986]

I like you had questions about going on an HRT. I also have breat cancer in my family. There are several types of HRT's so with a little research you can pick what is best for you. I chose to take the injections because I wanted control over the amount of hormones that I take. With the pills and with the patchs, the level of hormones stays the same. With the injections, you get a big dose at first and it slowly works it's way out of your system. There are hormones of all types so talk it over with your doctor and you both can figured what is best for you. My plan is to be on the hormones for up to two years to give my body time to adjust.