Contemplating Hysterectomy, LONG

Glitter Queen · 04-20-2005, 05:02 PM

Hello PCOS Cysters...I recently found this website through another one called Hyster Sisters (for women contemplating a hysterectomy). I'm sorry this is so long, I have been doing lots of research on the questions I am about to ask but am not finding many answers.

I am 33 years old and finally got my diagnosis of PCOS w/Syndrome X in October 2004 and origionally was diagnosed with endometriosis in 89 (verified by Laproscopy)..this has been a long road. My doctor has been wonderful!!! I wanted to ask some questions of cysters who are going through this.

On June 9, I am scheduled for surgery to have repair major work done from delivering my children in less than 2 hours from start to finish...they just shredded me to pieces, literally.

When I had my last appointment with her and we decided to do the repair surgery I asked her about the possibilities of doing a hysterectomy while she was in there.

I'm done having children and I have had nothing but problems with my period from day one, 20 years seems enough to me. She agreed and said if my husband and I decided that, she would support it and perform my hysterectomy at the same time of the repair surgery.

However, she said because of the PCOS, there is no way she can leave the ovaries behind. And therein lies my dilema. I'm not worried about HRT, I think the risks from that are less than my PCOS risks, I just know it can take a LONG time to find the right balance for each individual person and I am ready to be well NOW...I want my life back, my kids need their mom to function and my family certainly doesn't need it to get any more horrid before it gets better.

Because PCOS is a disease of the endocrine system, I am wondering if I have my ovaries removed will I still have the other PCOS issues that need to be treated or will it all just go away (I find that hard to believe, but am hopeful). My thought is if I still have PCOS issues to be treated, couldn't we leave the ovaries and treat them as well, I just won't have good ole AF and all her friends she brings along?

I have found no information on PCOS and hysterectomies and yes I am going to discuss this with my dr. I just haven't been able to find any information on this. I definately want to make an INFORMED decision since this is so permanent and I want research to back me up.

Any knowledge, information, websites I can check out or that you could impart would help. Support is wonderful too. Thanks!

Glitter Queen

pooker · 04-21-2005, 11:10 AM

Having a hysterectomy will NOT cure PCOS. In fact, some women have one, and for some reason, their PCOS symptoms get worse. Sure, you won't have the AF issues, but the weight, hair, acne, cholesterol, IR, etc will still all be there. You are right - it is because this is an endocrine disorder. Even though ovaries are part of the name of this, it is not the cause. It's a hormone and metabolic disorder. That's why so many different areas are affected.

I am certainly not telling you not to have one if there are other reasons for it, I just want to make sure you are not getting one thinking it will get rid of the PCOS. If it were that easy...well, after the kids, I'd have had one! Just to be FREE!

Good Luck!

Curiousme · 04-21-2005, 08:14 PM

First I'd like to wish you luck in whatever your decision is and welcome you to teh board.

Second, as you said you're pretty sure of and pooker stated, PCOS will not be cured through a hytso.

Third, I think that getting rid of the ovaries at the same time as everything else would be best if you chose to go that route. If teh ovaries are there they can still cuse you all sorts of problems (endometrosis (sp?) cysts, cancer, andometrosis (sp?), and in general pain).

I understand wanting to be better NOW, but I'm afraid that no matter what its going to be a long road to recovery.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide