I am asking this question on behalf of my mother. She is 48 years old and is discussing her options of a hysterectomy. She is debating whether or not to have a full hysterectomy or leave her ovaries in. Is there anyone who has had a full that wished she left her ovaries or vise versa?
Hi P.
I am 27years old and had a hysterectomy at 26 they left one overy and took everything else. My answer to your question would be. She will be going through menopause soon or already has. So she should have them take it all then she doesent have to worry about it any more. It was the BEST thing I ever did. Have A Great Day T.
That is a tough question! I had a hysterectomy 1 year ago at 42. Given the same choice as your mother, I headed to the hospital not knowing which way to go because I heard so many pros/cons on both sides. The dr made the decision for me, he'd try to keep my ovaries. As it turns out, while in surgery it was determined that they both had to come out. What I have found out about menopause is that there are absolutely no two women that go thru the same problems. Every story is different. My best advice for your mom is to not make her decision based on any one woman's answer. Look at the medical facts and talk about it with drs, nurses, etc.
I have not had a hysterectomy, but did have an ovarian cancer scare. When faced with this as a possibility I did some research and everything I found points to keeping the ovaries and as much of the female anatomy in tact, if possible. The reason being that the ovaries as well as the uterus secrete important hormones that help us feel like "ourselves." Total removal of everything can bring on a very unnatural, unpleasantly harsh and sudden menopause, even with sythetic hormone replacement. There are also side effects including sudden onset of osteoporosis, and other post-menopausal issues. There are lots of books on the topic. She should do more research and check out "Women's Wisdom, Women's Bodies, Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing" by Dr. Christiane Northrup M.D., published by Hay HOuse Inc. Or go to her website at www.drnorthrup.com. Another book she might want to check out is "Your guide to hysterectomy, ovary removal, & hormone replacement; what all women need to know" by Elizabeth Plourde.
Keep the ovaries in!
I had to have a hysterectomy when I was 30. If I would have taken the ovaries out too, I would have been on estroogen for the rest of my life.
If you keep your ovaries, life is just so much easier.
My mom & grandma had the same thing I did. They too had just the uterus removed. We are all doing fine!
J.
