Sex and Hormones after Hysterectomy, is there any??? - Ovarian Cancer

by MickeyVicki, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM

Check out the message forums on the Hyster-sister website. Other women are asking these very same questions, and are getting help from women who have already been through this process and thus are giving advice based on their experiences.

My cousin claims that her sex life was improved by her complete hysterectomy, however she did not have cysts or worries about cancer; instead, she had terrible endometriosis and would be bed-ridden for days each cycle.

by karen5862, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM

Tufmom,

I am 43 years old and had a total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (due to a septated cyst on my left ovary) on 9/22/05. I chose to get everything removed because I was very stressed out about the possibility of cancer (everything turned out to be benign), and because I was having other problems, including heavy bleeding etc. I have also had pre-cancer in both my breasts so I couldn't stand the thought of continual surveilance for both my ovaries and breasts. Any way, to make a long story short, I was most worried about the instant menopause. So far (3 weeks later) I have had hardly any symptoms. I am not on any hormone replacement or herbs due to the BC risk, and I am doing fine hormonally. I still have an interest in sex (though I am not allowed for at least 3 more weeks), and my mood has not been affected. They only symptom I have so far is some night sweats which are only slightly irritating, so I bought a Chillow to help out in that regard. I had a major complication to my surgery last week (small bowel obstruction, which is a rare complication) and just got out of the hospital after being in an additional week, and still, if I had to do it all over again, I would. Everyone is different, but I was told that the surgically induced menopause would be hell, and it wasn't. Unsure if you would consider hormone Replacement, but if you do that, then my understanding is that there are little if any menopause symptoms to deal with. Hope this helps to calm your fears about the surgery. If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Karen

by tufmom, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM

Thanks for your input on my problem. I'm going to look at the web site you suggested. I hope your all doing well. I'll keep you all informed. tufmom

by MickeyVicki, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM

Isn't the Chillow a wonderful thing??!!

by Mary 53, Oct 23, 2005 12:00AM

I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in August 2000, and had a radical (complete) hysterectomy shortly thereafter. Cervix was removed, too. I am grateful that we caught the cancer very early. I would like to share my story and my success at finding answers, enjoying satisfying sex, and feeling feminine despite the surgically induced menopause.

I was premenopausal (age 47)and had been concerned about two cysts on my right ovary. My regular doc brushed it off...I switched doctors. I'd had a recent history of abnormal paps along with the LEEP procedure for severe cervical dysplasia (pre-cancer). During a tubal my new doctor checked the cysts and upon examination of the fluid taken from the cyst, they found malignant-looking cells. Hysterectomy was next. At the time, I was starting to do some research on hormones and the effect they have on our body. I was grateful that my oncologist/GYN gave immediately put me on estrodial (I wear a patch). I was surprised at this because of the cancer-hormone thing. However, I soon realized that what she gave me was not the icky synthetic stuff with all the possible side effects. The estrogen I take is a bioidentical substance and not a drug to mask the symptoms of menopause. However, I soon realized that I needed more.

Three months later I was feeling horrible. No libido, brain fog, short-term memory loss, irritability that scared even me, itchy skin, etc. I was switching careers mid-life and it was a struggle just trying to function. I was scared and started to look for answers. I went to see my doctor about the libido thing, and he put me on some testosterone cream which was VERY VERY helpful! However, in retrospect, my hormones were very out of balance.

Dr. Christiane Northrup wrote "The Wisdom of Menopause" and this book saved my life. After reading it, I bought three more books that specifically related to hormone imbalance due to peri-menopause, or menopause. I found info that stated that a surgical menopause (such as mine) was the hardest to go through. But, there is hope and help. Seriously. It was not until I started to add bioidentical progesterone (NOT progestin) that I started to feel human again, in fact, I had not felt that well in about five years. I obviously had been out of balance for years. My regular doctor was not very familiar with the bio's but was fine with me trying them. In fact, he gave me the name of a pharmacist who had a good understanding of the bioidentical hormones. It was through this compounding pharmacy that I was able to get even more answers. My doctor talked with the pharmacist, and authorized a prescription.

It takes approx. three months for progesterone to leave your system, so I was told that it would take about three months for it to build back up. After all, I went three months after the surgery feeling kind of Okay. However, I noticed a difference after about a month. After the second month I cried for about a week because I could not believe how wonderful I was feeling again. This change put all my hormones in balance; estrogen (again, bio, not synthetic), progesterone (we have receptors for progesterone in our brains and in our lungs, so just because I didn't have a uterus did not mean that I didn't need to replenish my body with this hormone)...and testosterone. I know that many doctors are not familiar with the bioidentical hormones, and frankly, I am saddened that so many women are suffering needlessly. Us baby boomers are not going to take this anymore....that is my feeling, and so we are looking for answers. The answers are out there, and if you are lucky enough to have a doctor who understands the benefits of the bioidentical hormones, cherish that. I thank my doctor every year when I go in for my check-up....and I recently found a doctor who's whole practice involves the bio's and I am seeing him so that I can be monitored. Otherwise I was going by symptoms alone.

I encourage all women to do their research on this topic. Arm yourself with information. I feel lucky to still be here since my problem was caught so early. And, I struggled to find the answers AFTER the surgery. So, I am passionate about sharing my story with women going through menopause, especially women who have had a hysterectomy.

Regarding sexual function...I have great news! I was worried about the loss of the uterus and how this would effect orgasms. However, other organs take over...trust me. The pelvic muscles..the pelvic floor, the vagina...produce contractions similar to the contractions that my uterus used to go through during orgasms. Intensely strong, even multiple orgasms are possible. You just have to know your body... If I keep my hormones in balance, use the testoterone cream (it is applied to the cliteral area)...and make sure that any dryness is addressed (at times I have used a vaginal estrogen cream, usually estroil, for several weeks, or months. This is a weaker estrogen, I get it through the compounding pharmacy, with a prescription...but it strenghens the area...also helps with the bladder problems associated with reduced estrogen production after menopause. In fact, this is usually when I know that I need it...I have trouble voiding, or empyting all of my bladder, and I have to go to the bathroom about two minutes after I first "go."

The shortening of the cervix did not effect intercourse in the long run. I could tell there was a difference at first, but with gentleness and just getting used to the newer feeling (and a little bit of bleeding, which I understand is not that uncommon the first two or three times intercourse is attempted) it is not anything to worry about.

I am newer to this site. I have read many posts, though, where the women apologize for the length of the posts, and they are usually just a paragraph long...then there is my "epistle"...but, this is five years worth of information. If I can answer any more questions, I will certainly try to do so...Everyone, please take care.

by Mary 53, Oct 23, 2005 12:00AM

I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in August 2000, and had a radical (complete) hysterectomy shortly thereafter. Cervix was removed, too. I am grateful that we caught the cancer very early. I would like to share my story and my success at finding answers, enjoying satisfying sex, and feeling feminine despite the surgically induced menopause.

I was premenopausal (age 47)and had been concerned about two cysts on my right ovary. My regular doc brushed it off...I switched doctors. I'd had a recent history of abnormal paps along with the LEEP procedure for severe cervical dysplasia (pre-cancer). During a tubal my new doctor checked the cysts and upon examination of the fluid taken from the cyst, they found malignant-looking cells. Hysterectomy was next. At the time, I was starting to do some research on hormones and the effect they have on our body. I was grateful that my oncologist/GYN gave immediately put me on estrodial (I wear a patch). I was surprised at this because of the cancer-hormone thing. However, I soon realized that what she gave me was not the icky synthetic stuff with all the possible side effects. The estrogen I take is a bioidentical substance and not a drug to mask the symptoms of menopause. However, I soon realized that I needed more.

Three months later I was feeling horrible. No libido, brain fog, short-term memory loss, irritability that scared even me, itchy skin, etc. I was switching careers mid-life and it was a struggle just trying to function. I was scared and started to look for answers. I went to see my doctor about the libido thing, and he put me on some testosterone cream which was VERY VERY helpful! However, in retrospect, my hormones were very out of balance.

Dr. Christiane Northrup wrote "The Wisdom of Menopause" and this book saved my life. After reading it, I bought three more books that specifically related to hormone imbalance due to peri-menopause, or menopause. I found info that stated that a surgical menopause (such as mine) was the hardest to go through. But, there is hope and help. Seriously. It was not until I started to add bioidentical progesterone (NOT progestin) that I started to feel human again, in fact, I had not felt that well in about five years. I obviously had been out of balance for years. My regular doctor was not very familiar with the bio's but was fine with me trying them. In fact, he gave me the name of a pharmacist who had a good understanding of the bioidentical hormones. It was through this compounding pharmacy that I was able to get even more answers. My doctor talked with the pharmacist, and authorized a prescription.

It takes approx. three months for progesterone to leave your system, so I was told that it would take about three months for it to build back up. After all, I went three months after the surgery feeling kind of Okay. However, I noticed a difference after about a month. After the second month I cried for about a week because I could not believe how wonderful I was feeling again. This change put all my hormones in balance; estrogen (again, bio, not synthetic), progesterone (we have receptors for progesterone in our brains and in our lungs, so just because I didn't have a uterus did not mean that I didn't need to replenish my body with this hormone)...and testosterone. I know that many doctors are not familiar with the bioidentical hormones, and frankly, I am saddened that so many women are suffering needlessly. Us baby boomers are not going to take this anymore....that is my feeling, and so we are looking for answers. The answers are out there, and if you are lucky enough to have a doctor who understands the benefits of the bioidentical hormones, cherish that. I thank my doctor every year when I go in for my check-up....and I recently found a doctor who's whole practice involves the bio's and I am seeing him so that I can be monitored. Otherwise I was going by symptoms alone.

I encourage all women to do their research on this topic. Arm yourself with information. I feel lucky to still be here since my problem was caught so early. And, I struggled to find the answers AFTER the surgery. So, I am passionate about sharing my story with women going through menopause, especially women who have had a hysterectomy.

Regarding sexual function...I have great news! I was worried about the loss of the uterus and how this would effect orgasms. However, other organs take over...trust me. The pelvic muscles..the pelvic floor, the vagina...produce contractions similar to the contractions that my uterus used to go through during orgasms. Intensely strong, even multiple orgasms are possible. You just have to know your body... If I keep my hormones in balance, use the testoterone cream (it is applied to the cliteral area)...and make sure that any dryness is addressed (at times I have used a vaginal estrogen cream, usually estroil, for several weeks, or months. This is a weaker estrogen, I get it through the compounding pharmacy, with a prescription...but it strenghens the area...also helps with the bladder problems associated with reduced estrogen production after menopause. In fact, this is usually when I know that I need it...I have trouble voiding, or empyting all of my bladder, and I have to go to the bathroom about two minutes after I first "go."

The shortening of the cervix did not effect intercourse in the long run. I could tell there was a difference at first, but with gentleness and just getting used to the newer feeling (and a little bit of bleeding, which I understand is not that uncommon the first two or three times intercourse is attempted) it is not anything to worry about.

I am newer to this site. I have read many posts, though, where the women apologize for the length of the posts, and they are usually just a paragraph long...then there is my "epistle"...but, this is five years worth of information. If I can answer any more questions, I will certainly try to do so...Everyone, please take care.

by MickeyVicki, Oct 23, 2005 12:00AM

To: Mary 53

Which bio-identical progesterone do you use?

by Mary 53, Oct 23, 2005 12:00AM

For three years I used a compounding cream, micronized 2%, for which I needed a prescription. I used 1 gram a day. Sometimes I would split up the dose, using a half gram in the A.M. and a half in the P.M. Since I just recently started seeing a doctor specifically so that I could be monitored for hormonal balance, I was just switced to a sublingual tablet; Progesterone 50 mg Triturate. I use one a day, at night time. I just started this one month ago. I go to the doc's in about two weeks to check my levels. When my blood work came back after my first visit, it showed I was very low in Progesterone. I had been low on the progesterone itself, and late reordering it several times. I paid a price. I could tell that I was feeling "off." Also, the doctor found my DHEA to be low, too. Thyroid needed to be addressed also. I started "Armour" three weeks ago. I am feeling a difference already. This is the first weekend in a long time I have not needed a nap! So, as far as the Progesterone, I am not sure if I will stay at this dose or move up. I do think this was a good switch for me. My fuzzy mental state is much less fuzzy again, thankfully. Take care....Oh, sorry about the double posting on my previous entry. First time for me...sorry.

by amick, Nov 10, 2005 12:00AM

To: Mary 53

Being a recent cancer survivor at 36, I am used to having to take control of my own health - trying to make sure all my doctors know what is going on with my surgery-induced menopausal body. It's not enough for me to just be cancer free -I want to feel good like I did before the cancer when my hormones were natural. Like you, I have struggled the past several months trying to get someone, anyone, to listen to my concerns about this extreme menopause! Finally, I had enough. I made ANOTHER appointment and this time I said enough is enough. along with the hormone pills, I now use a testerone cream nightly. What a difference!! My unexplained vertigo disappeared and my sensualness (is that a word...) has returned somewhat. Still, I felt there had to be more. Today I found about progesterone, and although one of my older doctors sees no reason for a woman without a uterus to have it, luckily a pharmacist much like yours says he believes it will indeed help me. I went online tonight in search of some valid information about my decision. Your post was soooo helpful. Thank you. I hope we will be able to encourage a few women who come across our posts to seek out what we have found. Thank you for the post. I feel much better about my decision.

by Mary 53, Nov 17, 2005 12:00AM

To: amick

Amick,

Thank you for the kind words. My hope is that someone would find this information, not have to go through quite so much agony as I did waiting for answers, looking for answers, information, a doctor who listens (luckily mine is a good listener, but was somewhat unfamiliar with the bio's when I started the Progesterone four years ago. But, because he listened, he helped me find the compounding pharmacy and the great druggist who helped me so much). My doctor is so smart, kind, and helpful, and luckily for me he is not arogant, Because of this he was open to learning what he could about the bio's, and I do have to say that my pharmacist did the training, so to speak, to fill in the blanks that my doctor didn't know about or understand. There is only so much information that one can know inside and out, I would guess. And, they say that you need to be an advocate for yourself, but, as I am sure you know, that is not always easy....I have had nurses comment on the fact that I am on progesterone....geez..."you don't have a uterus, why do you need that stuff????" I know I am repeating myself, as I mentioned this in my previous post...we have receptors for progesterone in our lungs, in our brains.....

Oh well. I wish you the best and congratulate you on researching the problem. I am not sure I would be in a marriage, working in a new field (at age 52)....after having completed a Masters degree just three years ago...if it were not for the bio's. I have to stay on top of things, like eating healthfully and exercising and trying to get enough sleep...but, I KNOW that the hormones I have chosen to use have added so much to my life. I was in the dark for so long and felt lost. I am glad that this treatment has been coming to the forefront lately, but it is not yet fully understood. It does take time to figure all of this out, doesn't it?

I don't feel I am putting my life at risk by using the bioidentical hormones. Quite the contrary. In fact, I have huge concerns that due to Estrogen dominance that I am sure I had while in my 40's, I suffered so many problems before my hysterectomy; including bad paps, cervical dysplasia, maybe even the malignant cyst on my ovary. I will never know for sure. At least I am somewhat balanced now. But, my feeling is that I put my life at risk when I get up each morning, if you think about it. And, I am an optimist! I ate a cereal bar a month ago, and didn't know that they had added Psyllium seed to it (it is a fiber to which I am allergic) ...it is in laxative-type products, so I didn't expect it to be in a CEREAL BAR!!! ..anyway, I took one bite and started to go into anylphlaxis (sp?) shock! Thank goodness for my epipen and my allergy doctor or who knows what could have happened. So, the decision to take the hormones years ago was an easy one. And, I am grateful for them.

Oh dear, I was going to make this short. Take care, and thanks again for your kind words. Best of luck to you. Mary

by sese, Nov 24, 2005 12:00AM

`Hello,

I just had a hystercomy on 11/14 which is a little over a week ago now. I had some fibroid tumors, cysts and severe endoirtmesous. I'm in the recovery process now. I stumble upon this website and wanted to ask some questions about some of the information since I'm new to this. Recently I went back to my doctor for a post op checkup and was given the estrogen patch to began taking since I had a total hystercomy. In reading your posts, I'm confused to what progesterone and testerone cream are used for.

Please advise

by Mary 53, Nov 29, 2005 12:00AM

Hi Sese, Sorry it has taken so long to get to your question. The problem is that it could take hours to answer! But, it is SOOO good that you are asking the questions and trying to figure this all out. I have been studying this stuff since my radical hysterectomy in Sept. 2000, and I am still learning new stuff all the time, or understanding it further, at least.

I hope you are starting to feel well. How are you doing? Your surgery was just a few weeks ago, right? May I ask if you kept your ovaries? There is an advantage hormonally to keeping the ovaries, yet even the path to the ovaries can atrophy and so sometimes eventually you don't get all the benefits of receiving hormones from the ovaries compared to pre-hysterectomy. There was information on this in Dr. Northrup's book..."Wisdom of Menopause," Yet, even women who have had no surgery often need help. I went the route of the bioidentical hormones. Read my post (just pick one:) again, and you will see that I, too, was initially put on a patch (Vivelle, 1mg) for Estrogen replacement. It is bioidentical. I am still on this. It was three months later that I was really hurting for the testosterone and progesterone. It takes about three months to deplete completely (the progesterone) from the body once you have had ovaries removed. In my opinion, there are tons of advantages to using all three components....estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone....mainly, but not least of all, because BALANCE is so important. I was so dominant in estrogen for so many years, that when I started to read about the need for progesterone (not progestin, the synthetic stuff), I could tell that I had been horribly deficient for years....brain fog, depression, memory problems, weight gain, libido issues, which the testosterone helped with, too, of course.

Well, I can write more, but it is late, and I should head to bed. But, I can respond more later this week. So, write if you can and let us know how you are doing. Take care, Mary

by Travelnurse4, Oct 15, 2009 12:31PM

To: Mary

Your info was just what I needed, having had a similar hx to yours, and 3 wks post-op from full hysterech. Now, I'm going to try and find these hormones, Dr. etc. I knew about them for yrs...am a nurse and want to balance my hormones as well, also believe I was estrogen dom for yrs which led to all of this...thank you so much for posting!



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