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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to consider a hysterectomy at 43

22 replies

hippospot · 08/09/2018 20:18

for severe PMS.

Have tried body identical hormones for a year, but have hideous PMS for one third of the month.

Mirena coil was nearly as bad, but lasted all month. Gynae has confirmed I have progesterone sensitivity.

Apparently I can't take only oestrogen as I still have a womb and it massively increases risk of endometrial cancer. As it stands I need progesterone in order to have a regular bleed.

Severe PMS symptoms are having a massive impact on my life and especially my poor family. It's like Jekyll & Hyde when I take the progesterone.

Anyone done this?

OP posts:
Severide08 · 08/09/2018 21:21

Yes ,I had one when i was 39 .I had all my DC's and had years and years of suffering. Mine was severe pms along with the week long plus heavy periods .I had tried everything including mirena which gave me a pelvic infection and horrendous side effects. That was 9yrs ago and I can honestly say my life improved massively .

mayhew · 08/09/2018 21:25

Not unreasonable at all. It used to be quite common, but as you've discovered, Mirena doesn't work for everyone.

Whatsthisbear · 08/09/2018 21:31

I would have had one at 40 if they had let me, instead I've been forced to try coil, pill, medication to shrink fibroids.....I was finally put on the waiting list at 44. The waiting list is 12 months long. I had to phone in sick the other day because my pains are so bad they make me retch and the bleeding is so heavy I can't leave the house. On top of that my PMS makes me a total raging bitch Sad . Roll on operation day I say Smile

maggie222 · 08/09/2018 21:53

I had one at age 42 following years of horrendous periods. I tried merina coil which caused me to collapse in A&E with a serious pelvic infection.

They eventually agreed to hysterectomy and found severe endometriosis and adenomyosis which did not show up on any investigations, scans or biopsies. Everything was stuck to my bladder and bowel and he was shocked at the state I was in.

Hysterectomy was a walk in the park and the best decision EVER!

You do not need to suffer like this today - that is what my gynaecology consultant told me.

Good luck xx

dickyduckydido · 08/09/2018 21:56

Just had one at 43. Best thing ever!

HolyMountain · 08/09/2018 22:02

Best health decision I have ever made.

Terrible periods, endometriosis, ovarian cysts ; all eradicated by a total hysterectomy and I have no regrets.

pilates · 08/09/2018 22:04

Yes I had one at similar age, best thing for me too.

JaceLancs · 08/09/2018 22:12

I had mine in my 30s best decision ever
Once I recovered and no longer had to subject myself to artificial hormones my sex drive returned which was an unexpected bonus

Original poster
hippospot · 08/09/2018 22:14

Thanks everyone, that is very encouraging.

Do you now have to take oestrogen until "menopause age"? My understanding is there are implications for bones and heart. Is that right?

I need to do a lot of reading.

I can probably go private to avoid waiting list, if I decide to proceed.

OP posts:
katand2kits · 08/09/2018 22:29

If you keep your ovaries you wouldn't need to take oestrogen. If you have your ovaries out that would immediately put you into menopause so yes, you might need hrt

katand2kits · 08/09/2018 22:31

Have you tried taking the combined pill and using it back to back to avoid periods?

tleaf · 08/09/2018 22:32

In my early thirties I was struggling to cope with almost continuously heavy periods, sleeplessnes, mood swings and intense pain.
At the same time I was caring for my young family, disabled parents and a demanding career.
I eventually got an appointment with a male Consultant and whilst in the Waiting Room a young woman began chatting. She was there for a post op check up and said she had got her "life back"after her hysterectomy.
She then whispered that the way to get an early operation was to stress the detrimental effect upon my husband and my fear that he was about to leave me if I didn't "get sorted".
Happily two months later I was fully recovered and have never had a moments regret. HRT has been an added bonus for me. Good luck!

LittleCandle · 08/09/2018 22:36

I had one at 33. I had horrendous periods and none of the drugs they tried worked. There was no way I was having a coil. Just the thought makes me cross my legs, even yet. It was the best thing and I got my life back, as I was no longer bleeding my strength away for most of each month.

Touchnotthiscat · 08/09/2018 22:37

Following this as I’m in a similar position only I haven’t tried a Mirena - purely because if it made things worse I don’t think I’d be able to work. I need to know what sort of recovery and risks involved in a hysterectomy. I’ll be reading up too. I’m 42.

Rufus27 · 08/09/2018 22:46

OP, have you tried the pill Qlaira? It’s a very low dose combined contraceptive with bio identical estrogen and less progesterone than synthetic pills. Only has two blank pill days so less likelihood of PMS type symptoms. It’s been a total game changer for me. It’s very expensive, hence the reason GPs can avoid suggesting it. I had a hard time with other pills, mini pill and HRT but Qlaira is the one thing that has helped.

Original poster
hippospot · 08/09/2018 22:48

I tried various pills when I was much younger. It was only when I stopped after 10 years on the pill that I actually felt like myself. I realised with hindsight that they didn't suit me at all (libido, mood, weight gain).

No need for contraceptive now (DH had snip) and plus a family history of thrombosis put me off trying again to be honest.

I'm lucky I have no physical issues with periods; quite heavy but manageable. The severe PMS I experience is 90% mood-related.

OP posts:
FrameyMcFrame · 09/09/2018 00:00

Has your consultant suggested a chemical menopause first? That's when you take medicine to block your cycle completely. That's often the first step before a hysterectomy

Original poster
hippospot · 09/09/2018 08:05

FrameyMcFrame no that hasn't been suggested - I will ask him about it. Thanks.

All your replies most appreciated.

OP posts:
notsohippychick · 09/09/2018 08:10

Hey OP- in the same boat here. I have an appointment next month with the hospital. This is such an awful condition that every month I’m suicidal. Then once my period starts I’ll come out of the hell, like it never happened.

I’m sick, get migraines, literally bed bound for days of the month. It’s a nightmare.

I wouldn’t hesitate to get my bits and bibs removed if it means being well. I’ve had children. I don’t want anymore. I’m 41.

Best of luck! If you need a hand hold, pm me!

CMH123 · 09/09/2018 08:35

OP what area of the country are you in? I can put you in touch with a wonderful surgeon who has just sorted my oestrogen out after a very early hysterectomy if you do decide to go privately.

Original poster
hippospot · 09/09/2018 09:48

It's so good to know I'm not alone.

I'm in the UK (south east).

My family is complete, I don't believe I'd be upset to lose my reproductive organs that cause me so much grief (not sure my marriage can survive the PMS).

OP posts:
Rufus27 · 09/09/2018 13:20

This is worth reading if you havent seen it already: www.pms.org.uk/assets/files/guidelinesfinal60210.pdf

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