Hysterectomy and PCOS?

Gretch · 09-18-2006, 12:21 AM

I had my right ovary removed back in '98 because my OBGYN found a dermoid tumor on it. I was anxious about whether my husband and I would ever conceive, but with the help of Actos, Glucophage XR, Gonal-F injections (for ds #1), and tons of prayer, we had our oldest son in 2001 and our youngest in 2003.

Fast forward to the present: I was at my yearly OBGYN visit on Wednesday, and she believed she felt something unusual during my exam, so she ordered an ultra sound for the next day. At the ultra sound, I couldn't help but notice a large "bump" on my left ovary. Apparently I have a dermoid tumor (or something else) on my left ovary, and my OBGYN suggested that I have a complete hysterectomy done.

Would any of you happen to know how a hysterectomy affects those of us with PCOS? And more importantly, will I still have PCOS since I technically won't have *any* ovaries left?

I just wonder what kind of whammy this will do on my endocryn system . . . ? Will the surgery help overall or make PCOS symptoms worse?

Ammaarah · 09-18-2006, 12:30 AM

There is no way to really predict what will happen with a hysterectomy. Some women do all right, others have problems. But PCOS is a hormonal condition that can affect much more than our reproductive systems, so just getting rid of the uterus and ovaries won't cure PCOS.

I really urge you to seek a second and third opinion before agreeing to this very drastic surgery! ((HUGS))

bluebug · 09-18-2006, 08:07 PM

PCOS affects the endocrine system, so even without ovaries you would still have symptoms. I am not sure which ones would remain and which ones would go away. You can do a search of the research articles on this site and see if there is any good info.

Can they just take the dermoid tumor and leave your ovary intact? I would ask that if you are not ready to give up on having more kids, or if you are not ready to take hormone replacements for the rest of your life.

tigir · 09-18-2006, 09:21 PM

I would get an second or third opinion. I had a dermoid tumor on my left ovary measuring 9cm, it had completely taken over that ovary so the whole thing was removed. I was in the same scenerio - wasn't sure babies would come, but they did. If it is small enough would they be able to just take it, or just part of the ovary?

haeneleh · 09-18-2006, 10:31 PM

You don't mention your age but I'm assuming your are in your thirties due to your recent family additions - congratulations by the way!

I'm not sure but I'd also look at the effects of a hysterectomy on someone in their thirties...is it one where you need to take hormones and then see how that might affect your PCOS. Mine is definitely affected by hormones - many women are treated by OB/GYNs for their PCOS as a hormonal disturbance (versus more of an endocrine issue). Just my .02...

Gretch · 10-13-2006, 10:54 PM

Well, I went through with the hyst. and the dermoid ended up being the size of a softball, and it had also attached itself to my abdominal wall. Can't believe I wasn't really sore . . . I haven't starting taking any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) yet, but I have a prescription waiting. I'm feeling great so far, and am hoping that maybe I can make it without taking HRT.

So thankful I was able to have the boys in between the two dermoids!!!

guineapig · 10-15-2006, 12:10 AM

I think not everyone with a hysterectomy (or that's gone through menopause) benefits from or "has to have" HRT. I plan to go without as I hate the estrogen that is made naturally now. Many decades of women went through menopause without HRT. Plus, your adrenal glands produce some estrogen & androgen. It's mostly the progesterone you'll probably miss, which only is present 2/4 weeks in normal women anyway (i.e., not PCOSers who never ovulate like my old state).

Just a thought--HRT isn't necessary to live (it's not like removing thyroid & needing synthroid or removing adrenal glands & going on cortisone forever).

patti plummer · 10-15-2006, 02:22 PM

Hey---I had a hysterectomy June of 05. Great decision for me. I still battle with the whole weight thing, and hirutism.
Love having no periods and my moods are 89% better--
I did have to start taking Estrogen to not have anxiety and fatigue. I am 35 and most people would not have done it at this age but my moods were killing me. If you have any questions let me know
Patti

Gretch · 10-15-2006, 07:40 PM

Thanks for your replies! You know, I haven't this good in a long, long time. Yesterday I was actually thinking that I'd like to get out and *do* something, but of course, I'm still recovering, so I went shopping at one place to look for a coat for my 3 yr. old, and came back home again. I just feel GREAT and full of life. The pain from the hysterectomy is nothing compared to the positives I'm already experiencing as a result. I'm actually relieved I had to have it done. I would never have guessed how much better I'd feel afterwards.