hysterectomy-was it right to have?

jay_jay_ok_2001 · 05-11-2002, 10:10 AM

hi my name is jill,
and im new to this site,im one of the lucky ones have 2 girls who i had relitevly young. Was on the pill for years and when i came off my problems started, had horrendous periods (3 weeks long and bleeding so heavily had to give me a pill to stop it), mood swings, already had weight gain.Anyway the jist of it is my doctor suggested a hysterectomy as i had 2 children and as i was so ill at the time i didnt really question it! only investigation i remember having was a scan. but he diagnosed me with pcos.
Had the hysterctomy (sub-total) at 33 (doctor left my ovaries cos he said without the womb they had nothing to act on). My question is am i still considered as having pcos? as i am still having great problems losing weight and have other things that i didnt realise were associated with pcos (skin tags & darkening of the skin). I am not on any medication and have not had any follow up since my initial 6 week check up after i had the operation. Has anyone else been dealt with in the same way, as ive not seen one person say this was presented as an option by their doctor?
Be intrested in any help anyone can give me, Thanks Jill

Shira · 05-11-2002, 11:09 AM

Hi Jill
well, if the only reason for having a hysterectomy was to help the horrendous periods, then fine. But if it was meant to cure you of your PCOS then I am sorry to say, there was absolutely no point in having it done, as PCOS is an endocrine disorder, not a gynae one, and it wouldn't matter if you had no womb or ovaries, you would still have PCOS. It can be managed but not cured. As I said, the only thing a hysterectomy will really help with is the period problems but I'm sorry to be the one who has to tell you this, your PCOS is still with you and wothout proper treatment can get as bad as any of the rest of us who still have our wombs.
You need to see a reproductive endocrinologist, as you are showing signs of insulin resistance which is the underlying cause of PCOS. If you are having trouble losing weight, you should try a low-carbohydrate diet, if you aren't already. But most importantly, CHANGE DOCTORS! And try to get yourself on a drug called Metformin. It will sensitise your body to the excess insulin you are producing and will delay, if not prevent, the onset of Type 2 diabetes. You will more than likely find it difficult to get it prescribed as it is still only licensed for Type 2 diabetics, but don't let doctors tell you you can't have it because you CAN. (You will need to have blood tests to check your kidneys and liver function first to make sure it is safe for you to take it first).
I will say it again:
PCOS is an ENDOCRINE disorder which can cause gynaecological problems. It is NOT a gynaecological disorder in itself.
I am sorry you have had such a useless doctor up to now, and you really must change doctors and find one who knows what they are talking about. If you have any questions email me, or if you just want to chat. You still have PCOS, and it is only going to get worse if it left without treatment.
good luck
Shira

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