Consequences of removing one ovary

[kristenerika]

Hi there -  I am scheduled for laparoscopy to remove an ovarian cyst on Wednesday.  My OB/GYN and I have discussed the possibility of removing the involved ovary, even if it is not absolutely necessary.  The cyst is relatively large and this ovary has generated weird, persistent cysts in the past.  He tells me that there will be no hormonal consequences of removing one ovary, but my common sense tells me otherwise.  Can anyone comment on this?  I am 31 years old, and although we've completed our family (3 kids), I am no where near menopause.  

Thanks,
Kristen  

[Bmaiato93]

I had a cyst that they thought was a stomach virus, then appendicitis, then PCOS. But it was just one big cyst that twisted 4 times and pressed against my appendix. So needless to say they removed the ovary, Fallopian tube, and appendix. They tried through the laproscopy, realized it was too big and then basically gave me a C section a month after my 14th birthday. My doctor said it is going to affect your hormones, common sense, you took something out. So she put me on hormonal pills for a few months and I was back in cycle. Yippee.

[kiwi50]

A related discussion, Good decision was started.

[muchali]

I had severe hairfall due to dermoid in my left overy, dr. suggsted me to remove it. what will happen after this operation. will hair falling stop. I've acne, male pattern balding. I wanna know may I live a normal life after surgery, normal hair without severe falling, normal skin without acne.
I m waiting for the reply

[katgrrl]

I had one ovary removed in October & got my first period 2 days after surgery (was *so* not expecting that!) and have been regular ever since.  I've heard that for some, there may be a temporary experience of pseudo menopause before the remaining ovary comes back "online".  For others, that it may take a few months for their periods to return & even then it may not be every month.  good luck to you in your decision.  

[urstandingonmytoes2007]

I had a hysterectomy with the removal of my left ovary when I was 30.  The hysterectomy was the result of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.  The ovary was because my OB/GYN told me that he couldn't in "good faith" leave it behind, even after multiple biopsies he felt it was too risky.  I was left with my right ovary, he biospied it heavily too and it was in surgical shock for about a month..once it returned to normal, I have not had any problems.  The only thing I have noticed has been some vaginal dryness on occassion but nothing that has interfered with my sex life or caused me any distress, I haven't noticed a decrease in my sex drive either. I am now 34 and they are recommending that I have the other ovary removed due to my personal history and my family history of my mother and 1 aunt dying of ovarian cancer.  I will probably have it removed within the next year.  Good luck!

[Anna-maria74]

I was told countless times that removing one ovary would make no difference to my hormones and cause no symptoms. NOT SO. I started crying for no reason 2 days after surgery and pretty much didnt stop for weeks. I had hot flushes in the night where I woke up ringing wet with my hair stuck to my face and had to have a fan on all night. Trying to sleep through the bloody thing going click click click ill never forget it. I was so emotional that I kept storming off in a rage when I was supposed to be resting and folk had to come out looking for me and bring me home. I guess some of it was down to frustration after the surgery I am a terrible patient sooooooo stuborn but alot was down to my body. Just go with the flow and try not to worry to much. It is very hard to explain to family how you feel and they can become hurt and angry - mine did. The worse part was when I sat sobbing in hospital no-one came, nurses can be so cold and even the other patients ignored me! Not like my cysters :) The night before the surgery I couldn't figure out how to switch the light on so I sat in my room in the dark crying and texting Ursula lol. Reading back my post I didnt half cry alot cricky HA!

Anna x

[lara1228]

I had a large grapefruit sized dermoid cyst removed a year ago along with the ovary and fallopian tube. I am 33 years old and my cycle went back to normal after about two months and I haven't had any problems since.  

[utahmomma]

I h ad an ovary removed about 12 years ago for very similar problems.  Also had the other tube tied at the same time.  I had no problems after that, in fact my periods were more regular and less painful.  

Then two years ago the other ovary started developing large, complex, hemorrhagic cysts.  I had it removed last year.  Now *that* brought on the hot flashes!!  :-)

[2 bears]

Hi

I do have to agree with Katie. I am 50 now. I had one avary removed when I was 30. It was a dermoid cyst. They took the cyst and the fallopion tube because it was so big. I had not problems at all. Not hot flashes then still have not had them yet. Yea lol. But I had 2 beautiful girls right after. I would not worry. I also had a tubal. Unlike Katie I had no problems from that. I think from reading the fantastic forum. I have learned that evey ones body is different. Keep us posted on how you are doing. But I do think you are doing the right by having it removed now.

[AnotherKatie]

Due to a large cyst, I had an ovary removed at the age of 16.  The other ovary was not 100% healthy but they left it because of my age.  I chugged along OK until 48 with one ovary. Three kids, normal periods, no hormone problems.  

I did end up with a total hyster last year partly due to a complex cyst on the remaining ovary and because I had a lot of adhesions and pain.  My uterus was enlarged and bulky (not fibroids though as they said all along, weird) and I was having prolonged heavy periods.  I was very anemic.  

I think my more recent problems may have been caused from the tubal I had ten years ago.
I KNOW they mess us up a lot more than we hear about.

Best wishes to you!

[RavenLady]

Hi Kristen,
     There is an adjustment period as the remaining ovary takes over.  I am usually like a clock but it took three months until my cycles went back to being very regular.  I also experrienced hotflashes for the first time during those months, but I was 48 and that may have been the start of peri-menopause where I am at now.  Hoping you don't get that part Kristen.  MV