Mumsnet Talk

DP's consultant strongly recommends this, has anyone else had the procedure and subsequent HRT treatment?

It does sound like the answer to quite a few problems and potential problems but a quick look at Wikipedia suggests it's not without risks.

DP has only had an initial consultation at this point. We've been given some information on the procedure and a scan will follow before any decisions are made. DP is 48 and would need to take HRT until she was 51. (Why these ages?) Is it tablets morning and night?

We've known this consultant for years and absolutely trust him but it'd be good to hear from others who've been through this or are going through it.

What are the reasons behind the operation?

it's not a big deal if there are pressing reasons for it- mainly cancer. If they are suggesting the op for any other reason, I'd ask for a 2nd opinion.

The reasons your P would be given HRT is that the aveerage age of the menopause in the UK is 51- if anyone has an early menopause, - usually classed as before 45- they are at greater risk from oestrogen-deficiency diseases such as osteoporosis and haert disease. They would also be plunged into menopause and that would be hard for any woman to cope with. There is no risk in giving HRt until the age of normal menopause unless it is contra indicated by conditions such as very hgih blood pressure, previous breast cancer etc etc.

As for pills- that is something tobe discussed with the dr and it's really the small print! There many ways you can take HRT- pills, patches, gels, sprays etc.

Your DP can find all that side of it quite easily on the web.

Thanks for your reply. She has a history of gynae/period pain and problems (adhesions) and DP's mum had ovarian cancer (in remission for 5+ years now).

Personally, I'd ask for a 2nd opinion re removal of ovaries. I know there is a genetic link to many cancers, but equally there can be issues longer term with removal of ovaries. I am not usre about the case for removing then prophyllactically. (sp)From what I know the ovaries still have some use re. oestrogen levels after menopause.

Thanks pp, I'll look into it some more.

The potential disadvantages seem to be when this procedure is carried out when a woman is quite young. Are there any disadvantages at 48 that anyone knows about?

Has anyone had HRT? How was it?

Why don't you get your wife to come on here and then she can ask the questions ouright.

If you want to ask about HRT your best forum is the Menopause forum.

why does it matter that lenin is asking the questions ? Lenin is also female so is likely to understand and empathise with any female-specific info (which for some/most hetero couples is not the case - DH wouldn't have the first clue).

ouch sorry sauagae you know more about lenin that I do.

It's not an issue- but I still always think it helps the person more if they ask the questions.

DP is reading and asking more stuff which I put on here. One day I'll get her on here with her own ID!

Argh, didn't see the menopause topic, will repost there later, thanks.

Lenin- all women's experience s of HRT are different. Many come off it in a few months due to it not suiting them, others are very happy on it.
I don't think it's a good idea to do a straw poll, as everyone is so different. If your partner loses both her ovaries overnight she would need it without a doubt. It's a case of trying one sort and seeing which fits the best- like a pair of shoes- you might have to try 3-4 different ones to get the right fit for you.

On the other hand you might be lucky straight away.

If you read about the op though, you will see that the ovaries continue to produce low levels of hormones even after a normal menopause, so she would really need HRT for a while anyway.

I think the bigger issue is whether her medical condition is life-threatening and that requires removal of ovaries. The issue of HRT is secondary really. If not, then she might or might not want to use HRT anyway when she reaches menopause.

sorry purple, it wasn't meant to be an 'I know more than you do type post'. You clearly know much more about it from a medical side than I do

I'm off for some wine!

FWIW Lenin, my Mum had it done about 14 years ago for severe endometriosis. The menopause side of things was a nightmare. She was a psychotic banshee for about 12-18mo. She is normally a very placid, patient person not given to emotional swings so it was quite hard to live with, especially given that I was a hormonal teen too at that stage! Her consultant said it was pretty normal for surgically induced menopause to be so fast and furious, more so than a natural menopause begun when the body is ready.

My mother has just capitulated and is taking HRT after having a total radical hysterectomy. She has patches which she can cut down to the size which suits her. She has found it really beneficial, but her best friend who had a total hysterectomy a few years ago hated it and went for a homeopathic remedy instead (which I have my own issues with but it worked for her).

FWIW my mother was offered surgical menopause about 5 years ago, elected not to and as a result has had to have the hyterectomy which is obviously a much bigger and more traumatic op. I would listen very carefully to why your consultant is recommending it.

Yes, my mum had everything removed, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy. Perhaps that it different ?

Frakula, presumably your mum's friend on homeopathical remedies will not know if it worked for her for a few years yet from an osteoporosis point of view?

homeopathical ?!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat ?

Homeopathic

Jeez, it really is wine o'clock.

yes i had both my ovaries removed along with a full hysterectomy,was all fine and i have the knowledge that i wont get ovarian cancer in the future.

sorry i didnt answer all your question.i went straight into menopause and was put straight onto hrt.I didnt think they were actually doing me any good until i ran out of them and then couldnt cope with the hot flushes.

No offence sausage!

To be fair the consultant is a gynaecological oncologist so we can very well imagine why he is recommending it, especially as DP's mum had ovarian cancer.

There are other concerns - pain to the point of passing out or as near as 2/3 days before every period, and they are every 24/25 days.

Also, it looks like the adhesions may be back, (these were removed by keyhole surgery seven years ago), they can fix that permanently this time with some new gel or other. Or maybe there is a cyst or fibroid or some other issues, we'll find out from a scan next week.

So, being as she will be having a laparoscopy anyway and factoring in age, history and her mum's history, we're erring towards going ahead.

It does seem extreme but there are a lot of reasons pointing towards having the procedure.

I had a medically induced menopause for a year or so which isn't the same as what she'll have but in terms of the hrt, I found them fine (once I got on the right dose and right tablets).

I too have unbelievably painful periods (and other problems which are too boring to go into which is why it was recommended!) and just not having periods every month was like being given a new lease of life.

it seems that the consultant thinks this is the way ahead for her,so you can only listen to what he reccomends.Is it only the ovaries she would be having removed ? At least the fear of sometime getting ovarian cancer would be removed from her.I had to take one tablet daily .

Lenin - much as I love mumsnet, the forum you really need is menopause matters - I do not know the email address, but just google menopause matters and you will find it.

Thanks all, really helpful responses. I'll head off and find that other site. We're right at the beginning of looking into all this so no rush.

I think lenin's partner is looking at just having the ovaries removed. But if it's a total hysterectomy then that would sort a fibroid. I don't really know but from my mother's experience I wouldn't be inclined to disbelieve the doctor.

sausagerocket - my response to that is 'quite'. HRT has more benefits than just reducing hot flushes.