Both ovaries coming out...what can I expect?

[Fiveft4]

I met with my gyno/onc and we decided the best route for me is to have robotic laparoscopic surgery on December 6th to remove both ovaries. The right as a 3cm simple fluid filled cyst, the left has a smaller cyst with fluid and solid components. I'm 47 and had my uterus removed when I was 28 due to adenomyosis. Will I have residual estrogen in my system after the ovaries are removed or will I immediately go into menopause? Should I immediately begin replacement therapy or just wait and see? Thanks again to all of you - your stories and insight helped me know what to ask my doctor, and even they type of doctor I should find.

[Fiveft4]

I'm concerned about how it may affect me at work - teary, cranky...etc. I deal with the public all day long and it isn't easy under the best of circumstances. I've forever had an enjoyable sex life and I'm afraid of what this may affect in that area...you mean lubricants don't even work? Ack...
I know it's different for everyone, but it aways seems to help when you hear from others' who have gone before you :-) Thank you for your well wishes...I will keep you posted on the outcome of my surgery. After my last doctor appointment I have a better understanding of the complex cyst I have - I didn't know it was a cyst, I thought it was simply a solid mass on the ovary, but it is actually a cyst with fluid and a solid part in it. So, coupled with the cyst on the other one too, I'm ready to be done with the entire ovary thing...it just isn't worth it to keep waiting and wondering. Everyone here has been wonderful and you are amazing women. I've been amazed that in just the few months I've been tossed into this arena I've learned from 2 aunts and one cousin that each of them knows 2 women who are fighting battles with OC  - they didn't tell me this until after I told them I was scheduled for surgery - then each said they didn't want to frighten me but that they were relieved to hear I was having surgery because they've seen firsthand what can happen if it isn't found early. I would rather err on the safe side when it comes to matters of the ovaries. Best to each of you...

[nyc lady]

For me, personally, menopause is horrid.  The night sweats wake me up just about every hour throughout the night.  They are extremely intense.  Like Hopeshell says, vaginal dryness is a big issue as well as sex drive.  It is there for me mentally and emotionally but not physically.  I am not allowed to take HRT, not even the OTC supplements as they contain soy and black cohash which are none to "mimic" estrogen.  I was 42 at the time I entered surgical menopause.  I felt symptoms almost immediately and they are still going strong.   I am overweight as well and the extra layers are not producing enough estrogen to make a difference for me.

Just remember, everyone is different.

[hopeshell]

I went into menopause right away.  My gyn/onc said it is not unusual to experience hot flashes and symptoms right away.  He said the symptoms are worse the younger you are.  Women who were already beginning or are in menopause may not notice the changes as much.  I am 37 and I had hot flashes and felt teary right away.  I still have some hot flashes but they are much less intense now 4 months out of surgery.  One thing I wasn't prepared for was the fact that have had and still experience severe vaginal dryness which has made sex very uncomfortable - even with lubricants. I have also gained 10 pounds that seems difficult to rid.   My dr. doesn't want me to take any hormones since I did have OVCA - thankfully early staged at 1a but still at risk for recurrence.  There is another website called hyster sisters that has lots of info. about what to expect after having your ovaries removed.  Good luck to you.

[SimplyStar]

Leslee just toughed it out, it has been  16 months since her  debulking, no HRT at all.  She says it was uncomfortable for a while but now only the occasional sweat. She stays upbeat all the time and has had no "moody" spells. She credits some of the suppliments she takes daily,  for keeping  menopausal symptoms at bay.  She has gained weight with the chemo and Mayo seems to think that the homones put out by the fat layers are enough for her.

[LizT06]

I just had everything removed 3 weeks ago.  I think being told I had cancer messed up my moods more than hormones but I will never know for sure.  I have woken up at night warm just recently but it is tolerable.  I hope it doesn't get too bad.

I am curious to know if symptoms got worse for others as time went on.  Also, since being diagnosed with cancer a few doctors would like me to stay off hormones for now.  Has anyone taken hormones with cancer?  

[Casey06]

For me only hot flashes and night sweats, some moodiness, but not much different then my PMS  had before or maybe even not as bad.

There are some basic common sense things you can do for the hot flashes and night sweats, like wear light, loose clothes, don't drink hot beverages or alcohol or at least cut back.
It's not so bad.

My doc used a good old fashioned scalpal (sp?) and I have the crooked scar to prove it...lol.

Good luck and all will be well.

[Fiveft4]

Thank you! I think I will simply ride out the surgery and see how my body responds...there are always things I can take down the road if necessary, but I think it would be wise to at least see what my body does without them first before loading up on hormones. Is the main discomfort the hotflashes? Do you think you're more moody than you were prior? Did either of you have robotic surgery?

[Casey06]

I had TAH/BSO (uterus and both ovaries) in August and pretty much went into instant menopause.
I have had night sweats and hot flashes, but no HRT yet, due to severe endometriosis and was told to hold off for 6 monthes.

Initially in hospital many sweats, but probabaly due to surgery and narcotic pain meds and all.
In past 3 months since surgery they have gotten maybe alittle worse, so I think there is some residual estrogen, but not much.
It has been tolerable and not as bad as I expected, but I am seeing an endo specialist to discuss HRT options next week.

Everyone is different so it is hard to say, but that is my story.
No regrets for surgery, basically I feel better than before.

Good luck and remember to take it easy during recovery.

[nyc lady]

I feel as though I went into menopause immediately.  My surgery was done by my GYN/ONC, but, 2 days after my surgery my OB/GYN stopped by to visit me and I told him that I felt like I was having flashes, he said it was too soon, but, it wasn't.  

I am not a believer in HRT, why don't you wait and see if you experience menopause and whether or not  you feel like you can live with it.  Remember, HRT, can come with it's own risks.  (bio-identical included).

Good luck!!!!
Pam