Please help me to decide, i have excessive bleeding once in a while and thickened endometrium, my ob suggest to have my reproductive organ remove but im having 2nd thoughts because its a major surgery and possible side effect in the future thanks and good day! Bdway, stage 1a idc with no signs of the disease coming back for 2 years ( under tamoxifen)
The long-term effects @A MyBCTeam Member mentioned (bone thinning, cardiovascular issues) are related to removing your ovaries before menopause -- the more years before natural menopause, the more risk. Removal of the ovaries causes instant menopause. Having your uterus removed while leaving your ovaries intact is not usually linked to those effects. Though you no longer have a period after a hysterectomy (uterus removal), hormonally you are not yet in menopause if the ovaries are still functioning. In some cases, removal of the uterus alone may bring on early menopause in the years following the surgery. But, the risks of a hysterectomy are typically more associated w/ the surgery itself, plus potential bladder and vaginal issues.
I'm having my ovaries removed in February at age 50 -- was perimenopausal before they shut down my ovaries w/ injections starting in November. So, instant menopause, but I'm hoping (and studies indicate) that the long-term effects will be less because I am so close to menopausal age. Am discussing having a hysterectomy as well.
Hey Tet,
I can't offer suggestions as I am 63, had unilateral mastectomy 3/ 2018, took Arimidex for over a yr, now on Aromasin. I am sure the other sister's will give you good advice.
You have my support and you will find a lot of encouragement here.
Sharing a poem my husband wrote when I was sharing my thoughts and feelings about mybcteam to welcome you. ๐
Just a personal journey to relay to you before you decide. I had severe and excessive bleeding as I was beginning menopause in my 40s and was told it was the result of benign fibroid tumors in my uterus. They recommended a hysterectomy. When I found out I was gonna be down for 6 weeks, I told them no can do (I had a family to support), so I didn't do it. A few years later, Menopause set in and all my bleeding stopped. Turns out those tumors just dried right up when there was no more lining to shed. NOBODY TOLD ME MENOPAUSE WOULD STOP MY BLEEDING COMPLETELY AND THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THAT SURGERY! I found this out on my own. I'm so glad I didn't go through with the surgery as it's now more than 10 years later and I still have all my female organs and they cause me NO problems whatsoever. Make sure before you decide, you look at all the alternatives and have complete information. Best of luck!
I had a hysterectomy at 29 (big fibroids). Did not go into menopause because I still had my ovaries. My bone density is good.
I would suggest that you get a second opinion before deciding.