hysterectomy and depression

[owl2471]

I already have depression and i am having a hysterectomy except for one ovary. I have exhausted all other avenues
except for one. I am more worried about my depression than the actual operation.  This is my choice to have the operation rather then just trying another birth control method. i have ovary cysts and endemetriosis. Should i rethink my decision to go ahead with the operation?

[FurballsMom]

I would monitor and keep monitoring the thyroid, too.  The thyroid can be affected or can affect the female organs.  It also plays a huge role in our moods.

[ChristineMP]

I agree with what AnnieBrooke posted.

It sounds as though you are having second thoughts about having a hysterectomy and as AnnieBrooke said, making this kind of permanent decision when in the grip of depression may lead to a ton of regret later on. I would definitely look into other treatment options for the endometriosis and also look in to better treatment for your depression. If your meds aren't working, work with a psychiatrist to find meds that do work for you. If you aren't on meds, definitely see a doctor about starting meds and counseling.

[AnnieBrooke]

You say you've exhausted all other avenues regarding the hysterectomy.  Have you also exhausted all avenues in regard to treating the depression?  I ask because at only age 29, I'd try to make the decision about something as permanent as hysterectomy when not in the clutches of depression.  Depression can make everything seem so grey that all decisions take on an edge of desperation, and you might make a long-term choice that later you would regret.

I have trouble understanding why ovarian cysts would call for removing the uterus.  It (the uterus) does not cause the ovaries to do anything.  Both the uterus and the ovaries respond to signals from the brain, and I think the uterus also responds to signals from the ovaries, but it's not the other way around.  Taking the uterus away will not affect the signals from the brain that make cysts in the ovaries.

And endometriosis is the migration of cells that used to be in the uterus, out into the abdominal cavity, where they can hurt and bleed.  A suggested treatment for that is certainly surgical, but it is taking out the cells that have migrated into the abdomen, not removing the uterus.  (Another treatment is to go onto suppressive hormones, but that option wouldn't thrill me much in your shoes.)  Again, the cells from endometriosis are not doing what they are doing because of the behavior of the uterus, rather, the uterus and the misplaced endometrial cells are both responding to commands of your hormones.  Taking away the uterus won't change the way the endometrial cells out in the abdomen behave.  They would keep on hurting and bleeding, and the uterus would be gone for no reason.

Losing your uterus at only age 29 seems pretty extreme, especially if it is not necessary or helpful.  In your shoes, I would take some trouble to find and talk to someone who specializes in operations for endometriosis.  (In my town, that was a reproductive endocrinologist, but your regular ob/gyn could find out.)  If all that you have is ovarian cysts and endometriosis, removing the one ovary if it is compromised by the cysts, and removing the endometriosis, seems like it would be more to the point.  If a specialist who is good at getting all the endometriosis tells you that your present plan is the only way, then go for it.  But it just sounds like it might not work, and then you'll be left with regret over the loss of your uterus to add to your woes.