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Has anyone had a hysterectomy and ovary removal at the same time?
I have a complex cyst on one ovary and a "regular" on the other. The recommendation is that the ovaries and tubes be removed and I have the option to have a full hysterectomy as well (biopsy showed nothing). 7 years ago I had a cyst removed from one breast that showed atypical hyperplasia in the breast ducts. I took Tamoxifen for a year, then had a 'period' which lead to a pelvic ultrasound, leading to the ovary surgery.
COMMUNITY LEADER
My parts (uterus, ovaries, tubes) were removed (unnecessarily) for a complex cyst 10 years ago at age 49. I never could have imagined the nightmare that ensued. There's not a day that goes by that I don't regret it. Unfortunately, it is common for gyns to unnecessarily remove an ovary, ovaries, the uterus, tubes individually or together.
Ovarian cysts, even complex ones, are usually benign. And many cysts resolve on their own. Imaging is not perfect so cysts can appear to be complex when they are not. How big is the cyst and when was it found?
Since your endometrial biopsy was negative hysterectomy would be overkill. Some drugs can stop periods for a time (a sort of "fake" menopause). Could it be that your ovaries are gearing back up for having cycles? You didn't mention your age or any blood testing to see what your ovaries are doing. But even so, many cases of post-menopausal bleeding are nothing serious.
I never could have imagined how important my organs were for many things NON-reproductive and for life! I certainly learned more than I ever cared to know after mine were removed. They are critical for good health our whole lives.
My intent is not to scare you but to give you the information needed to go into this "eyes wide open." It's difficult to get the facts because doctors are not forthcoming.
The uterus has anatomical, skeletal, hormonal and sexual functions. It is an "anchor" for the bladder and bowel and also separates them. The removal of the uterus causes them to fall leading to problems especially in the long-term - prolapse, incontinence, incomplete emptying, bowel obstruction (a medical emergency). It can also cause "celes" (rectocele, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele).
The four sets of pelvic ligaments that suspend the uterus are like scaffolding for the midsection. That is why women's figures change after hysterectomy. The skeletal changes (spine compression, hip widening, descent of rib cage) also cause back, hip and leg problems and pain in the long-term.
The uterus, ovaries and tubes work together which is why it is common for women to go into a surgical type "menopause" even if one or both ovaries are left in place. Even if the ovary(ies) continue producing hormones, that production may be compromised. An INTACT woman's ovaries produce hormones her whole life. Ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure is associated with many increased health risks and reduced quality of life. Overy.org is a good website that has some "linkable" text, one of which goes to a list of 500+ citations about the repercussions of loss of ovarian hormones.
Last but not least regarding the uterus, it is key to sexual function for many women. Even many women who do / did not have uterine orgasms report a loss of desire and ability to orgasm and enjoy sex after hysterectomy even if their ovaries continue to function. Since the vagina is shortened, there is a risk that it will be shortened too much which can cause a problem with penetration and result in painful sex.
The loss of an ovary or ovaries or their function is a whole other mess as spelled out on the above mentioned site. One study says that when ovaries are removed before AGE 65, it does more harm than good (unless it is done for a cancer diagnosis).
I was 49 when my organs were removed. Almost immediately, I lost my basic "joy" for life... the "pep in my step." I felt disconnected from everyone. And then within a couple months, the rapid aging started - my hair fell out at an alarming rate and over half of it was gone by 4 months post-op, the front turned completely gray, it became extra fine and frizzy (I call it 70+ YO hair!). I lost a LOT of skin volume (collagen, subcutaneous fat) causing it to sag and wrinkle. I basically changed from someone who looked to be late-30's to 60-something in a matter of months. I became a recluse... did not want anyone to see me nor did I care to see anyone. Social situations were extremely distressing.
I couldn't sleep for more than 2 hours at a time... woke up feeling like my body was on fire (like a severe hot flash). Depression set in quickly and became SEVERE... very dark thoughts 24x7. Other problems - scary memory loss (couldn't remember what someone said minutes ago, earlier in the day, etc.), could not focus or think straight, constant anxiety, loss of appetite, absolutely no motivation or energy. I lost my daughter's high school years because I was such a basket case. I hung onto my job by a thread because I couldn't function in my pre-hysterectomy capacity on any level.
If you do end up needing surgery for the cyst, you should not need to lose your ovary if you have a surgeon with good cystectomy skills. It's easier to remove the ovary so some surgeons don't want to take the extra time and diligence to separate the cyst from the ovary (time is money to a surgeon). As far as hysterectomy stories, keep in mind that some sites censor posts so there are more negatives than what you read. Once it's done, there's no going back so certainly not something to rush into.
Best of luck to you!
Ovarian cysts, even complex ones, are usually benign. And many cysts resolve on their own. Imaging is not perfect so cysts can appear to be complex when they are not. How big is the cyst and when was it found?
Since your endometrial biopsy was negative hysterectomy would be overkill. Some drugs can stop periods for a time (a sort of "fake" menopause). Could it be that your ovaries are gearing back up for having cycles? You didn't mention your age or any blood testing to see what your ovaries are doing. But even so, many cases of post-menopausal bleeding are nothing serious.
I never could have imagined how important my organs were for many things NON-reproductive and for life! I certainly learned more than I ever cared to know after mine were removed. They are critical for good health our whole lives.
My intent is not to scare you but to give you the information needed to go into this "eyes wide open." It's difficult to get the facts because doctors are not forthcoming.
The uterus has anatomical, skeletal, hormonal and sexual functions. It is an "anchor" for the bladder and bowel and also separates them. The removal of the uterus causes them to fall leading to problems especially in the long-term - prolapse, incontinence, incomplete emptying, bowel obstruction (a medical emergency). It can also cause "celes" (rectocele, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele).
The four sets of pelvic ligaments that suspend the uterus are like scaffolding for the midsection. That is why women's figures change after hysterectomy. The skeletal changes (spine compression, hip widening, descent of rib cage) also cause back, hip and leg problems and pain in the long-term.
The uterus, ovaries and tubes work together which is why it is common for women to go into a surgical type "menopause" even if one or both ovaries are left in place. Even if the ovary(ies) continue producing hormones, that production may be compromised. An INTACT woman's ovaries produce hormones her whole life. Ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure is associated with many increased health risks and reduced quality of life. Overy.org is a good website that has some "linkable" text, one of which goes to a list of 500+ citations about the repercussions of loss of ovarian hormones.
Last but not least regarding the uterus, it is key to sexual function for many women. Even many women who do / did not have uterine orgasms report a loss of desire and ability to orgasm and enjoy sex after hysterectomy even if their ovaries continue to function. Since the vagina is shortened, there is a risk that it will be shortened too much which can cause a problem with penetration and result in painful sex.
The loss of an ovary or ovaries or their function is a whole other mess as spelled out on the above mentioned site. One study says that when ovaries are removed before AGE 65, it does more harm than good (unless it is done for a cancer diagnosis).
I was 49 when my organs were removed. Almost immediately, I lost my basic "joy" for life... the "pep in my step." I felt disconnected from everyone. And then within a couple months, the rapid aging started - my hair fell out at an alarming rate and over half of it was gone by 4 months post-op, the front turned completely gray, it became extra fine and frizzy (I call it 70+ YO hair!). I lost a LOT of skin volume (collagen, subcutaneous fat) causing it to sag and wrinkle. I basically changed from someone who looked to be late-30's to 60-something in a matter of months. I became a recluse... did not want anyone to see me nor did I care to see anyone. Social situations were extremely distressing.
I couldn't sleep for more than 2 hours at a time... woke up feeling like my body was on fire (like a severe hot flash). Depression set in quickly and became SEVERE... very dark thoughts 24x7. Other problems - scary memory loss (couldn't remember what someone said minutes ago, earlier in the day, etc.), could not focus or think straight, constant anxiety, loss of appetite, absolutely no motivation or energy. I lost my daughter's high school years because I was such a basket case. I hung onto my job by a thread because I couldn't function in my pre-hysterectomy capacity on any level.
If you do end up needing surgery for the cyst, you should not need to lose your ovary if you have a surgeon with good cystectomy skills. It's easier to remove the ovary so some surgeons don't want to take the extra time and diligence to separate the cyst from the ovary (time is money to a surgeon). As far as hysterectomy stories, keep in mind that some sites censor posts so there are more negatives than what you read. Once it's done, there's no going back so certainly not something to rush into.
Best of luck to you!
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