Considering a full hysterectomy- HRT

[Mehfruittea]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I have some complex medical conditions and o er the last 3 years the overwhelming opinion from a few different specialists involved in my care is that I would benefit from a hysterectomy.

What I can't get advice on is the downside. I assume this would push me in to menopause, I'm 38. Do I just take HRT and everything will be fine/better than before?!

I'm at risk of osteoporosis already and worry about the impact here. My GP just shrugged and said it was my decision, but I don't feel I have the info to make it. WWYD? All advice and opinions welcome. TIA

If your ovaries were removed at the same time this would be a surgical menopause and yes, HRT would be a must up to the age of average meno- 51/52. Without it the risk to your bones would be high (and also to your heart.)

If you kept your ovaries, the likelihood is that they would fail after the op within 2-3 years so the same thing applies- HRT.

Some women also find they do well with some testosterone after surgical menopause.

Consultant Nick Panay is an expert on this- he was part of the NICE team who wrote the new meno guidelines in 2016. If you google him and various question you have you may find his research.

Thanks very much I will google him. My ovaries will definitely go if I decide to go ahead, as they are causing some of the issues.

Sorry, how do I find out which hormones are contained in the HRT? I'm sensitive to certain ones being produced naturally during my cycle that is causing problems. There would be no point in doing this if HRT had the same hormones in that I'm trying to get away from. Thanks again.

What is your condition that warrants the hysterectomy?

The hormones are identical to what we have ourselves- estrogen and progesterone.

If you lose your ovaries and do not use HRT you are at risk from serious illnesses and you will also have all the menopause symptoms- flushes, sweats, perhaps joint pain, etc- full on.

I had a full hysterectomy nearly 2 years ago. Feel good. Take HRT. Was 1mg then 1.5 then 2mg. According to my GP, lots of women my age (44) take much higher doses.

There are no downsides imo. You will need HRT to avoid osteoporosis don't you?