bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy - post menopause

[Limassol65]

Hello, I am 53 years of age and I am scheduled to have one or both ovaries removed tomorrow morning. I definitely have to have one removed as I have four cysts in one ovary. I am in menopause and have been for the last two years. My dilemma is this: I have the choice of removing the affected ovary or removing both. I am still unsure as to which option to go for.
Will having both ovaries removed increase my menopausal symptoms?
Has anyone else gone through this op post menopause?

I had both ovaries and uterus removed because of a v large tumour on one ovary. My surgeon said that it would be better to remove both ovaries because what happens to one ovary tends to happen to the other.

I was well past menopause at the time, so didn't really notice any hormonal changes. Depending on the nature of your cysts, could it be possible to prescribe some HRT? If you have both ovaries removed, you will definitely notice an increase in symptoms.

Hi thank you for your message . I am 2 years into menopause. How long where you into menopause? My doctor said I will probably get greater symptoms if I remove both . But unsure how much as each person is different . HRT is not something I would want to take .

I took HRT from my first hot flush at 50 for 10 years, when there was a health scare, now, I think, discredited. When I stopped, I had no withdrawal symptoms, so never really experienced the menopause. It's a personal decision, but I'd do the same again. My consultant said I was gynaecologically much younger than my age.

My surgery was when I was 72. The tumour was so big it needed to come out anyway and the priority was to rule out malignancy, but, as the surgeon said, 'you don't need your ovaries and uterus now anyway'.
Obviously, I was in a different position from you, but 'what happens to one ovary tends to happen to the other one' is something for you to bear in mind.

You've probably had the op by now. Whatever your decision, hope the recovery goes well.

Hi yes I have had my op removing both ovaries. The results of a Bloodtest showed my hormone levels were very low so hopefully I will not have any additional menopausal systems. My surgeon also told me my ovary without the cyst was very small and hidden . This was why during scans they could not see it . I am pleased I went for this option . Thank you .

Good! That's what I would have done, if I'd had any choice. One less thing to worry about. Now put your feet up and don't skimp on the resting.

Thank you . I won’t !