Post-menopausal ovarian cysts are more common than most people, even gynecologists, realize. And thankfully, they are usually benign just as they are in women who're still menstruating. Unfortunately, many women lose ovaries unnecessarily. If your cyst gets too large or there's truly a concern for ovarian cancer (which is rare in women without a genetic risk) and you need surgery, you should not need to lose the ovary or any other parts. A surgeon with good cystectomy skills should be able to remove just the cyst allowing you to keep your ovary and its life long hormone production. The frozen section done while you are in the operating room should dictate if anything else needs to be removed.
I was over treated for a benign complex ovarian cyst. My gyn removed my ovary and sent it for frozen section. He waited for the results and then proceeded to remove the rest of my sex organs when it came back benign. I have been suffering the many after effects ever since.
How big is your cyst and how long have you had it? Do you have a copy of the ultrasound report that describes it and wish to share that information?