ovary removal menopause

[brenda34488]

I am still going through all the tests before surgery, I have to go back Nov. 4 for a endovaginal  US to see what is going on with my cysts.  I found out July 31 that I had one on my left ovary 9.5 cm x 4.5 cm and one on my right ovary 4 cm.  I went to the GYN/ONC on Oct. 10 she said she thought it is probably a borderline tumor but of course won't know for sure until it comes out.  So my question is that if I only have my ovaries removed and leave my utureus will I still have my period or will I immediately go through menopause and what does that mean for me?  I am 38 years old and will not have anymore children anyway, I have three and that is enough.  Any input would really be appreciated.  

Thanks,
Brenda

[brenda34488]

Thanks for the information.  I did read it and it was somewhat helpful, a little confusing but I think I get the jist of it.  I guess I have great depression and getting fat to look forward to...lol.  I just wonder how severe and how long does this depression last.  I am generally a happy person and I don't know how well I will be able to cope.  But in reading all the posts I do know that at some point it WILL get better.  So that is the thought that I will keep foremost in my mind when I do have my surgery.  Again, thank you so much and also thank you Mary53 for the insight and Laney good luck and I hope you feel better soon!!!!!

[vallieanne]

Brenda,
read the post on page 2 called My Path Results by Laney, Mary posted about the HRT therapy in that thread.

[vallieanne]

If you only have the ovaries removed and not your uterus, you won't get periods anymore. It's the ovaries that send out the hormones that control the entire menstrual cycle each month, and your uterus won't be lining anymore to prepare for a pregnancy, therefore no period.
You will go into an early menopause and your hormone levels will change.
When you see your doctor before the surgery, you need to find out about hormone replacement therapy or HRT for short. The doctor will decide what kind is right for you, and some doctors don't do it anymore. There are some great posts on here regarding HRT by Mary53, she is very knowledgeable in this subject.
There are skin patches containing estrogen that can help ease menopause symptoms as well as hormone creams to rub on the skin. The newer kinds of HRT are called bio-identical hormones, which aren't the kind made from pregnant mares urine which have had a lot of controversy over the last few years.
Read Mary's post, I'll bump it up in the thread for you.
Good luck and let us know how your doing.
Valerie