Earlier menopause after loss of one ovary?

[MarieC59]

Hi everyone, I'm 43 and was just wondering if anyone had any experience or knows anything about this. I had one ovary removed at 19, so I think my symptoms could well be perimenopause? I don't want to waste my GPs time if it is unlikely?

I don't have any family history.

I can only give you my experience. I had an ovary removed at 45 and it had no effect on my periods at all. In fact, I am now 56 and still have regular periods, and have only just gone on HRT for anxiety and night sweats.

My GP at the time did say I could go into early menopause, but obviously I didn't.

So, I think the answer could be "it depends". You may just be in your normal, for you, peri-menopause, according to genetics or family history, regardless of the ovary.

What makes you suspect you are in peri-menopause?

Yes, I was the same the ovary removal didn't affect my periods or my fertility. I've been feeling like something is wrong for about 2 years, and only recently started seriously considering perimenopause. My GP is very dismissive in general and I wanted to find out more before considering an appointment.

I didn't really think about the loss of ovary affecting menopause, and I was quite young, so I didn't consider it at all at the time. I tried to look online but I am not finding that much and obviously every situation is unique. I don't currently have periods at all due to the mirena and haven't for over 3 years so that isn't a good thing, and I can't use that as a gauge.

The symptoms I have are insomnia (which is new), mood swings (including extreme irritability), brain fog, as well as aches and pains. So, nothing that definitively screams perimenopause but they are symptoms of it from what I have read. I thought it was depression and I have tried really hard to improve my general health and fitness (ADs don't work for me unfortunately). I don't have hot flashes, I feel warm sometimes but nothing like is described.

Thanks for responding.