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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want a hysterectomy at the age of 33?

26 replies

OhThisIsJustGrape · 03/11/2011 14:59

Back story - heavy, painful periods since I was 11. Gradually got worse after each child (I have 4 DCs), was diagnosed with PCOS after having DC2.

Periods returned 4 months ago after an almost 2yr break due to being pregnant and bf'ing DC4. They are now worse than ever, currently on day 4 of this period and still in tremendous pain and flooding and I've had enough.

Can't take anything strong enough to hit the pain as I'm still breastfeeding. Trying to get through the day with 2 pre-schoolers but all I really want to do is curl up in bed. DH works 13hr days so no help to me when I'm like this.

I just feel so ill, constant nausea and freezing cold. I've had enough and can't face the thought of having a week of this every month until I hit the menopause. I'm 33.

Over the years I've tried many, many types of the pill. The only one I've found that suits me, my doctor won't prescribe to me after I'm 35 so not a longterm solution. Can't have the Mirena coil due to side effects.

I'd love a hysterectomy. Family definitely complete. Have looked into other treatments such as womb ablation but tbh, the symptoms I get from PCOS would obviously go if I had a complete hysterectomy with removal of ovaries so it makes sense to go for that.

Do you think I'd get one though? It's major surgery I know and I am worried about going through the menopause - I had a course of treatment a few years back which put my body into a pseudo menopause so I know that the hot flushes etc aren't nice. I'm going to make a GP appt and ask for a gynae referral, just wondered if anyone had any experience of having a hyst at a relatively young age?

Sorry if this seems garbled, I feel so rough that I'm not sure if I'm coming or going :(

OP posts:
Applegirl33 · 03/11/2011 15:02

There are other gynae treatments available that are much less pain and stress.

Original poster
OhThisIsJustGrape · 03/11/2011 15:05

Like what Apple? I'm open to any suggestions, I am fully aware of what would be involved in having a hysterectomy but at a loss as to what would sort both the periods and the PCOS out.

OP posts:
effingwotnots · 03/11/2011 15:05

Now I could be wrong but I saw a medical programme some time ago where a lady had injections into her ovaries to 'freeze' them. She didn't have periods at all after that. I think she had to go back a few more times for the effects to be permanent.

Thingumy · 03/11/2011 15:08

I had one at 31.

Similar period issues to you and very anaemic with heavy painful periods which drugs didn't touch.

Have you spoken to a gynae about it or has it been offered to you?

It's massive surgery with a fairly long recovery time (6 wks of no heavy lifting).

I haven't gone through the menopause as I kept my ovaries but I have symptoms of being perimenopausal.I have had some issues due to the Hysterectomy but nothing that interferes with my life (or that meds can't help with).If you have your ovaries removed they will start you on HRT asap.

It's something that I'm glad I have had done but it took me a long time to recover from (at least 9 months emotionally and physically).

It's best to speak to your gynae to discuss all options and all the risks involved with major surgery.

MrsCarriePooter · 03/11/2011 15:11

Long time ago now but my mum had a hysterectomy (inc ovaries) in her 30s for endometriosis. Talk to the doctors. Would they not put you on HRT though rather than let you go through the menopause? - maybe things have moved on since my mum's day but they were v concerned about chances of osteoporosis etc if she went through menopause so young.

jellybeans · 03/11/2011 15:11

I have a mirena coil, couldn't take the pill at all but this has been great. Had flooding and very heavy periods/anaemia but nowmuch better-no periods at all more or less. I know one person who had a hysterectomy at 31, was 100% sure done with kids but she regrets it now a few years later. I know another 35 year old who had it done and has had menopause early and it has been 'hell' in her words. My mums friend had an extreme grief reaction after hers! I would try anything first to be honest.

herbietea · 03/11/2011 15:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Sidge · 03/11/2011 15:18

You really don't want to lose your uterus and ovaries at 31 if you can help it, they offer lots of protection in terms of hormones etc. If you need a total clearance (due to cancer for example) then of course women can be given HRT but that has it's own associated risks especially if needed long term and needs monitoring. I can't imagine a surgeon would be very happy removing the generally healthy ovaries of a young woman.

I understand how you feel though - in August I was fitted with a Mirena coil (very reluctantly) due to my bonkers and horrendous periods. It has been lifechanging and I feel like a different woman.

Can I ask what reasons you have for not being able to have one? Very few women can't have a Mirena. But if you can't have one then I would suggest endometrial ablation would be a better option than a total hysterectomy.

Thingumy · 03/11/2011 15:24

I forgot to add I also had a vaginal prolapse which is why coupled with all my other problems I was offered the hysterectomy.I didn't want repairs jobs every 5-10 years.

Original poster
OhThisIsJustGrape · 03/11/2011 15:26

I have had a Mirena coil, the side effects were awful - terrible acne (which I've suffered enough with due to the PCOS) and weight gain. Definitely can't have one of those.

My ovaries aren't healthy, they are polycystic and although, touch wood, I haven't had any major cysts for a few years there's always a chance that a big one could occur.

I know I sound drastic but I can't carry on like this. Will get a referral to a gynae. Was under the hospital for a few years whilst they diagnosed the PCOS but they were reluctant to do anything drastic because I was in my 20s then. I've since had 2 more DCs and both DH and I know 100% that we do not want anymore children.

Thanks for your replies.

OP posts:
VivaLeBeaver · 03/11/2011 15:27

If I were you I'd try the ablation first and see how much of your symptoms clear up with that. I've had it done, I went wanting a hysterectomy and got talked into an ablation and it was fantastic.

If it doesn't work then you can go back and ask for the next step up.

SansaLannister · 03/11/2011 15:28

Some women with PCOS can't handle Mirenas. They caused my sister to have even worse cysts.

She had Novasure ablation, though, and it really worked for her.

ManicMother7777 · 03/11/2011 15:29

I had a keyhole hysterectomy last year at 42 and it's absolute bliss. I got impatient with all the other suggestions as it seemed to be a case of 'this might work' or 'this might work for a year or two' or 'this might work with these side effects'. I wanted something which would really cure the problem and after a discussion my consultant agreed. I have kept my ovaries though.

Popbiscuit · 03/11/2011 15:31

I'm not sure what type of pill you were using but my Doctor has said it's okay to be on mine until menopause (have PCOS). Quite honestly, it has changed my life --I feel much better on it than off. Could you look into a different one perhaps?

jellybeans · 03/11/2011 15:42

I came off my first mirena due to weight gain and acne but it was in fact down to thyroid problems. Since going on it again my skin is clear (after 2 years on it) and I haven't gained weight. I know it doesn't suit everyone though.

carabos · 03/11/2011 15:51

Hysterectomy is a very big step and can have unforeseen side effects including problems with your balance. I had an endometrial ablation (microwave) 20 months ago and while it has improved things to a degree, I haven't had the relief I was hoping for. However, after the operation Confused the consultant told me he always acts "conservatively" and we could go back and do it again. I haven't done that, for various reasons, but I think that operation should be your first option, especially as you have completed your family.
Ask for a referral and ask to see someone who believes in surgery. The trend now is very much towards preserving the womb, and the aim is to get to Scandinavian levels of hysterectomy (essentially, you only have one when all else has failed and your life is in danger).
Good luck.

ripstheirthroatoutliveupstairs · 03/11/2011 15:53

I don't think YABU in the slightest. I would be reluctant to lose my ovaries despite also having PCOS, they are pretty useful for other stuff.
My sister, who is younger than I am, finally got a hysterectomy last year. She already has eight children and knew her family was complete.
She was made to 'reflect' on this decision for months, all the while she got more and more anaemic.
In the end my parents paid for her to go privately. Her life has changed for the better.

Original poster
OhThisIsJustGrape · 03/11/2011 15:55

The pill I was on is called Dianette, they don't let you have it longterm due to the effects it can have on the liver. My consultant at the time told me it definitely wouldn't be prescribed to me after the age of 35 as, coupled with the other risks, it wouldn't be safe.

The ablation certainly sounds good, I have researched it in the past, but I would still be left with the issues my ovaries cause - I suffer a lot pain mid-cycle, which is bearable compared to my period pain but it would be nice to be free of it altogether. I also have problems with my skin due to the PCOS. Just seems to make sense, in my current pain-ridden state, to have the whole lot whipped out!

OP posts:
rosepicture · 03/11/2011 15:57

Have you thought about Zoladex? I'm just finishing up some chemo and have been given it to protect my (only remaining) ovary. It puts you into a fake menopause, and I know that it's used for women awaiting surgery for gynae complaints. Sorry if you've already mentioned this/looked at it, but if not it might be worth asking about if you don't get anywhere on the surgery front. xx

Popbiscuit · 03/11/2011 16:09

That's interesting as that's the pill I take too (it's called Diane in N. America). My doctor said that it's perfectly safe to stay on until your 50s and that the increased risks of liver complications and clotting aren't statistically significant.

Not trying to quibble, of course, just to say that it has made a world of difference to the PCOS symptoms as well as making periods a non-issue. Fibroids and endometriosis run in my family and I haven't had any problems like that either.

Does PCOS go away if you have everything out, I wonder?

spookshowangellovesit · 03/11/2011 16:11

full hysterectomy includes removal of cervix right? which effect you enjoyment of sex. might be wrong as not 100% looked it up when i was experiencing some problems. i would be fighting to keep my cervix and ovaries if there were other options available.

Original poster
OhThisIsJustGrape · 03/11/2011 16:12

Yes I've already had Zolodex, it was about 7 years ago now. I had a 6 month course and I felt great whilst on it. Except for the menopause symptoms. I was prescribed HRT Though which helped.

It's not a longterm option either though, unfortunately. Although if offered I would definitely have another course as the total system shutdown was nice whilst it lasted!

OP posts:
Thingumy · 03/11/2011 16:57

Carabos-what do mean by a hysterectomy effecting your balance?

carabos · 03/11/2011 17:06

I don't really know - it was one of the things that my consultant talked about as a reason not to have a hysterectomy. I think its something to do with creating a space in your body where there isn't meant to be a space and how every part of your body is in relationship to every other part, so losing a bit impacts on balance (and other things like blood pressure).
I ride and ski, so he was keen to point out how a hysterectomy could impact those activities. Sad
My consultant wrote the book "Preserving your womb" and is a world specialist in inter-uterine surgery (teaches in UK and US) so he's not madly in favour of hysterectomy.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 03/11/2011 17:10

I don't know if you abu or notConfused

Hysterectomy is major surgery though, I had a radical hysterectomy for cancer. Recovery physically was 3 months, mentally an awful lot longer and I have since suffered a vault prolapse and now have a rectocele which I have refused surgery for as I'm fed up with operations!

I still have my ovaries due to the hormonal thing, not sure how keen any surgeon would be to remove your ovaries tbh.

I've never really had bad periods so I can only imagine the pain and discomfort. I hope you find a solution that works for you op.