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Original poster

Losing your ovaries.

14 replies

Grrrpredictivetex · 18/08/2023 10:15

Would welcome comments by anybody whose had their ovaries removed.
A family member 70+ has been advised to have hers removed. Had a cyst (non malignant) on one, and Dr suggests taking both out at same time.
I no knowledge of how this may affect them, so would be grateful if you've gone down this path of pros and cons if any.

OP posts:
Original poster
Grrrpredictivetex · 18/08/2023 11:59

Anybody?

OP posts:
LaMaG · 18/08/2023 12:09

I had one removed for similar reasons but as far as I know its very different, I was 36 so still ovulating from the other and no risk of menopause. As far as I know early menopause would have kicked in if both were taken. I don't remember any complications really, mine was removed during another surgery so it was more a complication but I had to recover anyhow so can't say whether it made it worse or not. Sorry that's probably not helpful for an older post menopause woman

LivStanshall · 18/08/2023 12:42

I’ve had one removed. I’m not sure I would want both removed unless at high risk for ovarian cancer. I think, but can’t be sure I’ve remembered correctly, there is some evidence that removing an ovary/ovaries can be damaging long term in terms of protective hormones. I’m not sure about after the menopause but I would investigate that before agreeing to anything.

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ModifiedHuman · 18/08/2023 12:44

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TupperJen · 18/08/2023 13:12

I had both of mine removed in my mid 40's, so went into instant menopause.
For your aunt I assume she is post menopausal, so less of issue from that perspective. Mine was quick keyhole surgery, I didn't stay in hospital overnight, but probably should have. No driving for 2 days and minimal pain after that 2 day recovery.

PeakedAtAverage · 18/08/2023 14:17

I’ve had one removed for same reason but surgeon wanted to leave the other even though I was post meno.

MaidOfSteel · 18/08/2023 15:03

I had both ovaries removed at the age of 40; I had cysts and a family history of ovarian cancer.

I must admit to being glad of no more periods! And I also felt much more 'level' and calm without the monthly hormonal swings.

The op was keyhole and fairly straightforward; I think it was done in the day surgery unit. I remember being told to avoid heavy lifting etc afterwards for a time while everything healed.

Mostly, though, I was relieved to not be at risk of ovarian cancer any longer.

Saverage · 18/08/2023 16:21

I had one out because of a dermoid cyst and went into early menopause (I was probably close anyway and it just tipped me into it).

At 70+ I don't know how much oestrogen the ovaries still produce so not sure how much impact it would have to remove both. I wouldn't want one taken out if it was still healthy though.

SaltyandSore · 18/08/2023 16:24

I had both mine out at 45 when I had a hysterectomy.
Instant surgical menopause but no effects other than that & HRT has sorted the hot flushes.

Abra1t · 18/08/2023 16:33

I recently had mine out with a hysterectomy. I was on HRT already and slightly upped my dose of gel at the consultant’s suggestion as apparently even at 59, mine would have been producing some oestrogen.

I feel as you’d expect after major surgery but was fit going into it. But my op. obviously included more then just the ovaries. No hormonal issue but that’s because of the HRT.

Utereusbegone · 18/08/2023 17:00

I'm 42 and have had mine removed, which put me in surgical menopause so I am now on HRT for the next 9 years minimum.

Given her age your relative will be well past menopause anyway, so probably little impact

Original poster
Grrrpredictivetex · 19/08/2023 15:14

Thank you for all Your feedback. Interesting how opinions differ. It's a case of make the right decision because once they're gone they're gone!

OP posts:
nameXname · 19/08/2023 18:11

OP - I don't thread this thread at ALL as saying 'opinons differ'. What are you hoping to discover/prove? Most responders are saying that they had the operation and 'no big deal'. The operation is not minor, but is normally perfectly straightforward.

Your relative is over 70. Yes, her ovaries do still have a function at that age, but this has to be balanced against the risks of ovarian cancer. And any downsides can, in part, be mitigated by HRT. Having any type of ovarian cyst at that age is not risk free. Even if it is benign, it may just perhaps indicate possible future problems. Only a doctor can tell you how important/unimportant those are.

See here - very useful algorithm on page 6:
www.rcog.org.uk/media/4v3ncfib/gtg_34.pdf www.rcog.org.uk/media/4v3ncfib/gtg_34.pdf]]]]

Perhaps also have a read of this:
https://www.obermair.info/latest-news/blog/why-is-ovarian-cancer-a-disease-of-the-elderly-at-a-time-when-the-ovaries-are-inactive-already-for-a-long-time/

Why is ovarian cancer a disease of the elderly at a time when the ovaries are inactive already for a long time?

While young women in their teens and twenties can also be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are aged 60 years or older. The higher the age, the higher the ovarian cancer risks. Statistically, the highest...

https://www.obermair.info/latest-news/blog/why-is-ovarian-cancer-a-disease-of-the-elderly-at-a-time-when-the-ovaries-are-inactive-already-for-a-long-time

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