Full hysterectomy but can't take HRT

[bowwow30]

Can anyone offer any advice? I'm considering having full hysterctomy, I have large fibroid. The fibroid was treated a couple of years back, the blood supply was cut off so it is now dead, but hasn't shrunk much at all, I have now got used to the fibroid and it isn't causing too much of a problem but I'm still considering full hysterctomy as I have family history of Ovarian cancer and I had breast cancer 3 years ago. The tamoxifen I'm taking for the breast cancer rules out taking HRT so I'm worried about coping with overnight menopause without the aid of HRT. Particularly worried about osteoporosis as I am very clumsy! also how differently I'll feel with no ovaries, no libido etc? Is there anyone out there who has had a similar dilemma? I'm tempted to do nothing but I'm 50 with a young son and am getting a bit of pressure from family to do it..

why do you need a full hysterec. to remove a fibroid?
Or is it the worry of ovarian cancer?

I think this is something way beyond the scope of Mnetters tbh- you need to have some conversations with a specialist gynae and an oncologist.

The risk of breast cancer with HRT is only with combined HRT ( oestrogen and progestogen) and women who have had a hysterectomy and use oestrogen only HRT have a lower level of breast cancer than women who have never used HRT.

I think you really need expert advice and perhaps from more than 1 specialist as they all have different opinions.

Thanks, yes its the worry of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, I have had advice from gynacologists and doctors,

and so far its very much "well its up to you," there are good reasons to go ahead, but obviously risks as well. I just wondered if anyone had been in a similar situation..

Do you not feel reassured by possible annual scans and C125 test for ovarian cancer?
Would a compromise be hysterectomy for fibroid but leave ovaries?

It might help you to have a bone density scan now to see how you are.

Being clumsy isn't an issue - many women break bones if they have osteoporosis by sneezing!

It seems a bit drastic to put yourself at risk of other serious killer diseases- which osteop is- when you may never get ovarian cancer.

Thank you! you have been really helpful, not even heard of a C125 test! so will definitely look into that.

I think it's a bit unfair that the so-called experts are leaving an important decision to you.

In your shoes I'd want to know the actual stats of ovarian cancer risk for me ( based on family history) and take it from there.

Isn't there already an increased risk of osteop. with tamoxifen because it depletes your oestrogen levels?

I don't have all the answers but it is quite possible to have TVS every 6 months or annually to check your ovaries, as well as the C125 blood test.

Hi, I had my ovaries and tubes removed in March, so instant menopause. I'm 51. So far no drop in libido, sex was painful for the first few months but over that now. Can't say I feel much different to before. Hope all goes well for you!