Ovaries...leave them or have them out too?

[augustnkate]

I'm 32.  I have two children.

I had a tubal ligation in 2000.  I have been having problems with irregular periods, pain and heavy bleeding since then.  In April of 2010 I was told I had cysts on my ovaries.  I was originally told one cyst was complex and the other was simple.  Birth control made me very emotional and I had my period nearly the entire time.  It was heavy and making me feel ill.  I only had 21 total days in three months that I was able to function at an almost normal pace.

I had a diagnostic laparoscopy on the 16th of July.  Endometriosis was confirmed.  My fallopian tube was covered.  My ovaries looked ok.  My uterus doesn't look so great.  

My consultation and biopsy result appointment was today.  My doctor thinks a hysterectomy would be best.  He told me some pros and cons to keeping ovaries vs. taking them out at the same time.  He told me to talk to some women in my family, research as much as I'd like and let him know.

I know women in my family have had ovarian cancer.  Most of the women in my family have had a hysterectomy between the ages of 32-45.  I'm concerned with leaving the ovaries and then getting cancer in them later because members of my family have had that happen.  

I haven't even started thinking about the hormone replacement therapy.  I think I would want to try without first.

Any opinions or experiences anyone can share to help me make up my mind?

[Cherie762]

I dont think you are, Ive helped many women who have had ovaries removed, I had mine removed cause one was bad one was ok....I did not want another surgery in a few years as Im prone to cysts and I did not want to risk cancer.

Im sorry about your family members Im certain they would tell you your making the right choice.

Bio-Identical hormones is the way to go....its hit or miss everyones anatomey/chemistry is a bit different,,,usually the right combo is found first or second time,,,rarely I have heard of it taking several more times, but I honestly think some of those cases involved a bit more like post surgical depression.

Best of luck...if youd like pre surgical advice pm me or start a new thread here.

Cherie

[augustnkate]

I think I'm going to go with removing the ovaries at the same time.

After looking into family history, there are a couple cases of ovarian cancer.  Both had already had hysterectomy, so it wasn't detected until late.  Too late.  The rest of the women have had a total hysterectomy...many of them in their 30's.

I hope I'm not making a mistake.

[Cherie762]

what did you find august?  the pros in my opinion is no more chance of ovarian cancer. Which has a low rate of success. you will retain hormones wich is a big plus

Cons its hard to detect ovarian cancer with cervix gone. You will need hormone replacement which is contraversial...heart Dr says no bad for heart...bone Dr says yes needed for bone health.

hugs

C

[augustnkate]

NM...I found my answer.