Hormone irregularity after unilateral oophorectomy

In February I had an oophorectomy of the left ovary.  I was diagnosed with an immature teratoma, stage 1, grade 1, so they went in for biopsies and an omentectomy a month after the first surgery.  My biopsies were clear and I didn't need any chemotherapy but I was wondering if it is normal, or even common to experience mood changes after this procedure, because the ovaries do aid in regulating hormones.  I am 21, and before this ordeal I was pretty apathetic in general.  I rarely cried, or became angry even during PMS.  Some would even say my elation was perceivably vague.  I've noticed that since the procedures, I am often feeling depressed, sad (I will cry over an emotional commercial) and angry.  This is not me!  I am so frustrated with it and I'm wondering if it's just because of my situation...I have delt with some pretty serious stuff in the last year; my friend died in october of 05 the month of my 21st birthday and right before my diagnosis, and my sister is in an abusive relationship with a 1 and a half year old son that I'm worried about.  But I still feel like it's just been too much for me, I'm not usually this sensitive.  Any suggestions?  should I seek counseling? do I need hormone therapy?  who should I tell?  My regular gynacologist, or my gyn/onc??

Aria

[Gatsby]

Welcome!  So sorry to hear that you are going through this.  After surgery such as yours there is a time when the remaining ovary "goes to sleep", but it usually kicks back into gear and does the work of both ovaries.  You could be hormonally imbalanced.  Have your dr. check your hormone levels.  You may need a little help getting back on track.  Check the archives here for posts on bio-identicals as there is alot of info.  Are you having trouble sleeping at night?
It could also be that your body has succumbed to the overwhelming stress you have had lately and this is the way it is handling it.  Maybe you could talk to someone...a professional and get things sorted out.  When we bottle these emotions up they do have the tendency to erupt in other ways.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[mikki81]

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