Side effects of ovary removal in menopause

I have recently been recommended to have one ovary removed due to a large, persistant ovarian cyst being attached to it.  It has also been suggested that I have the other ovary removed at the same time to prevent the possibility of ovarian cancer .  There is no history of ovarian cancer in my family nor breast cancer.  My cyst does not appear cancerous in the ultra sound.  Does anyone have an opinion about this diagnosis?  Does anyone know the side effects to ovary removal  in menopause?  Does anyone know if the ovaries have a role in women's health in menopause?  Thanks for your thoughts on these issues.

[Jaxsie]

Hi there,
I have just been reading a book called the hysterectomy hoax which has lots of info about the role of ovaries for women's health and it basically suggests to be cautius with any decisions about surgery. BUT - this does not mean that it will not be the best thing for your situation, but I would get a second opinion, or ask your existing doc to clarify why he thinks removing both might be neccesary. I have heard they will remove one if there are cyst issues - I had a cyst removed and had to sign to agree to remove the ovary in case it was neccesary. But removing an undamaged one is unusual without the history of OVCA to me (like I am na expert!). As for the impacts of ovary removal in menopause- maybe one of the helpful ladies might respond?

best wishes for a good resolution

[ireneo]

I did send her a message about my own menopausal experience.

[Sandymac]

Hi,
   I'm postmenopausal and had one ovary and tube removed in January due to cyst. I really would have liked everything removed.. but Dr. said absolutely no way. No reason to and she couldn't justify removing healthy organs. All this to say, I still have one ovary .. I don't know why your Dr. would be fearful of leaving one ovary since you don't seem to be "high risk" .
    As to any affect this has on my health , etc. There doesn't seem to be any. I'm way past menopause ..I've not seen any difference in my health at all. Hope this helps.

Sandy

[suebt]

Thanks for responding Sandymac...  The Doctor is not the fearful one, he gave me a completely honest pro and con arguement concerning taking the other organ out while he was in there.  He said the medical community leans toward leaving the healthy organ in but if it was his wife he would recommend taking it out  since it plays no role any longer and to prevent any possible future probems. I'm the fearful one.  Sue

[suebt]

Thanks for responding Jaxsie.  I'll pick up that book you recommended.  Sue

[Eileen611]

I don't know if anyone can respond but I'm hoping you can since you went through the procedure.  I am having both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed due to a large cyst on left one.  However, since I am postmenopausal, my doctor wants to remove both.  I am extremely nervous over the surgery as it is my first surgery since have 2 cesarian sections.  I am 55 years old and I am a wreck!  I'm praying they'll be able to perform the surgery laproscopically (pardon my spelling!) but may not be able to if they find scar tissue relating to the cesarians.  How did you feel afterwards?  Was your surgery laproscopic?  How long were you in the hospital and how long after was your recovery?  I can't afford to be out of work more than a few days so I am very worried!  Did you have alot of pain afterward?  I know you last posted here in November but I am so hoping you read this.  Thanks so much to all who may respond.  I know I am just being over the top about this but I am really nervous and that is so not how I normally react!!  Eileen

[Sandymac]

I'm going to start a new thread on this one since this thread is really old ! You'll get more responses on a new thread.. I'm going to head up the new thread with your name in subject line..

[MarieMichele]

I had both ovaries removed in January 2009 along with a large cyst on the left one.  I am post menopausal and I feel no different having them both removed.  In fact, I feel a lot better for it.

I never had any kind of surgery before.  I ended up with a laparotomy for this.  About a 4.5 to 5" vertical incision from below the belly button downwards. Along with exploratory of the surrounding organs to make sure no cancer developed.  Thankfully no cancer was found.

It was major surgery for me.  In the hospital for 4 days and 3 nights.  Home from work for 6 weeks.  It is now week 8 and I still have some abdominal tenderness and still avoid heavy lifting.  Still cannot push a vaccuum.

If you've had a C-section, this surgery and the recovery are very similar.  I suppose laparoscopy is possible, but only your doctor can say for sure.  It seems that older women tend to get the laparotomy because the cancer risk grows with age.  That is also why removal of both ovaries is recommended.  Once one gets a large cyst, the other often does the same.

[Sandymac]

This thread is quite old and it's been suggested  that we start new threads rather than reply to old ones.