Family history of ov cancer

[Johank]

I'm a 40 yr old mom of 3. I started my period when I was barely 9 yr old and am now dealing with being deeply in the throughs of peri menopause. I have endometriosis, a family inheritance, and have had multiple removals of lesions caused by it. I have had one leep done for pre-cancerous cells on my cervix 14 yrs ago, before my pregnancies. And I've had multiple abnormal pap results over the years that when sent back for a second test came back normal. Both of my Grandmothers had ovarian cancer in their mid 80s, my mother has not, however she did have a total hysterectomy at the age of 45 due to fibroids. My doctor performed an endometrial ablation 3 years ago due to heavy bleeding, but that has proven to be a useless endeavor since my bleeding not only did not stop but at this point has resumed to be a normal period.  At this point my Dr is recommending a partial hysterectomy and would leave at least one ovary. However due to both my own medical history and that of my family the idea of leaving the offending organs in place seems to me not to be a good idea.  I'm fine with HRT my mother has had it ever since her hysterectomy and is now 80 yrs old with no health problems.  She says she would never do anything different. I have low blood pressure, low thyroid, and low blood sugar and no real family history of heart disease. Me and my family are suffering severely from my peri menopause symptoms. I have night sweats, no sex drive, extreme fatigue, weight gain even though I'm very careful with my diet and walk/jog 3 miles a day.  I have severe mood swings and depression, can't focus, always forgetful and foggy. I have 2 periods per month even tho I'm taking Premarin and estroven and am on thyroid treatment that is constantly monitored.  Depression is really becoming an issue for me also.  So what do you suggest I do? Live with my symptoms awhile longer? Have a total or partial hysterectomy? Go onto HRT.? I need advice, I'm way past miserable and so is my family, something's just gotta give here. Please help.

[nyc lady]

How are you on HRT and still getting your period????  Something is very wrong with that.  You should not be on HRT if you still mensturate.  If it were me, I would go see another OB/GYN immediately.  I do not believe that HRT is advised if you still mensturate.

Have you had a 2nd opinion?  

[HVAC]

The reason they want to leave an Ovary is it can cause all kinds of unwanted things. I have Ovarian Cancer and had everything removed because I had to. I had gone through Menopause. Now I have no sexuality at all and I miss it. I have about twenty night sweats every night. I soak the bed. I also have constant hot flashes. I also have to worry about my bones. If you can keep an Ovary it is a good thing.


Papsmears will not show ovarian cancer you have to have a pelvic ultrasound. I was having papsmears and endometrial biopsies and thought they would find Ovarian Cancer.

Alex