Question re: estrogen replacement therapy

Hi Everyone,

Saw the Gyn Oncologist today.  He thinks I probably don't have cancer, but said what definitely needs to be removed is the large cyst on the left overy, as well as the overy itself, and two small complex cysts (that my Gyn wasn't too concerned about) on the right overy.  What's in question is whether to remove the right overy itself.  I'm 45 and have accepted the idea of not having kids (never married), but I'm nervous about taking estrogen becasue of all the controversy surrounding it (also, as far as I know I havn't felt/suffered any signs yet of menopause.)

Of course, if it looks bad they'll take it... but am questioning whether to have them take the overy to be on the safe side.  For anyone who has had both overies removed, how bad is the adjustment?

Thanks.

[AnotherKatie]

I would recommend...try and save the ovary.  How is your uterus though?  What about the cervix?  There are hormones manufactured there as well believe it or not.
I am 48 & had surgical menopause in February....it's not great.  I am kind of nervous now about bones, heart, vaginal and bladder atrophy, Alzheimer's, etc.

[RAS49]

****- you can't win.  WITH ovaries subjects us to ovarian cancer risk and WITHOUT them, the list of other problems you mention......

[juju82]

I am 42 years old and at 37 entered surgical menopause.  I take estrogen and am doing well.  My gyn got me on it right after surgery.  My only complaint is that I do have a few problems with sleep that may or not be caused by the estrogen.  I do make sure to get the yearsy mammograms.  Good luck with everything.    Julie