Hysterectomy and single ovary removal - What effects can I expect?

Recently had an hysterectomy and a unilateral oophorectomy and was released from hospital with no info about hormone treatment, whether its necessary or not.  Will follow up with my gyne but wanted to get feedback from others.  I don't want to grow facial hairs if can be avoided. (smile)

[Morrowville]

Hi.  My doctor told me that although I'm having a hysterectomy on Tuesday, they don't want to start on hormone therapy until I demonstrate signs that I need them.  I am 46, and they say that although I was pre-menopausal prior, it is better to wait and see if I "need" the hormone therapy.  If we experience uncomfortable hot flashes & other signs of trouble, then they start the therapy.  The oncologist also told me something I had never heard before.  If you are fat (like me), your body will use some of the fat to make estrogen if it doesn't come from the natural sources.

I have plenty of fat for everyone on this forum, so I may NEVER need hormone therapy!  lol

Morrowville

[silver&gold]

Hi Donna,
I was overweight after my hysterectomy and I was told the same thing about fat cells making oestrogen . I never had any HRT but never suffered any hot flushes or other menopausal symptoms .
Good luck and best wishes on tuesday .

Take care Angie

[lisa102062]

When I had my hysterectomy they put me on a very low dose of HRT it was about 8 weeks after my surgery.  I was having hot flashes.  The stuff I am taking is called Enjuvia and the dosage is .625 mg.  Just enough to stop the hot flashes.  No other side effects. Your doctor will know what you need and when.

[justscore]

I take Premarin .625 mg.  I am 39 and had my ovaries removed last April.  I had major hot flashes and night sweats the day after surgery.  I just had a check up w/my primary Dr and she is concerned that I am not taking enough HRT since I am so young and she feels my bones need the Estrogen.   I am officially confused...............take HRT - DON'T take HRT - take MORE HRT ??????????????
It is such a hard decision and depends on your body and what it needs.

[cirella]

Hi, it'll take a little bit for your body to adjust after surgery.  Sometimes the remaining ovary doesn't pick up the slack.  Mine didn't.  If you notice signs of menopause I would suggest doing a saliva test to see where your are hormonally.  My doctor kept doing blood tests and saying I wasn't in menopause b/c of the numbers but a saliva test, done at a certain time during my cycle was the way we knew for sure what I needed.

Now I don't have any of the parts.  I'm just 3 weeks post op so I'm not exactly sure what I need.  Some days it's a good kick in the butt.  = )