Would you ask for an oophorectomy, a hysterectomy or HRT?

[OfMe]

Have had horrendous periods for about 17 years (since the birth of DC2). Have had 4 ELCSs, fibroids dxed once in 2005 (treated with 3 month artificial menopause) and then about a year ago I had another scan which showed something (I can't remember) for which I had a six-month course of Zoladex injections. Periods are still very painful, erratic (so either really light, or REALLY heavy), with what feels like a uti or kidney infection (so massive left flank pain) which sometimes shows an infection, sometimes doesn't. This month I've had left hip pain, feverish, nausea, bedbound with exhaustion, awful insomnia, and this has been going on since before Christmas when I went to the GP thinking I had a UTI. One course of antibiotics for 3 days seemed to work on the infection as a second trip to the GP showed no infection - but recent blood/urine tests showed raised leukocytes, a raised CRP, raised ESR and borderline anaemic. The paramedic I saw yesterday was clueless as to what the left hip pain might be, and sent me away with some co-codamol. This morning, I woke up to three mini-explosions in my left hip, and then my period started around 9ish. So it seems pretty evident it's all period related, and I've just about had enough. I'm 44, have had 4 dcs, am NOT having any more (I had the snip 9 years ago), so should I just ask for the whole lot out or should I go on HRT? WWYD?

Hysterectomy and oophorectomy. HRT wont help. The ovaries are the source of the problem but the uterus is also. Get rid. I had one at 45 and 4 children. Never looked back

Do all three, I did back in Feb and its been life changing. Im just taking estrogen and am on the lowest dose to feel myself. Wish Inhad done it years ago. Inhave also completed my family

Thanks, ladies (I assume!) - how long did you have to wait for an operation @SeaToSki ?

Im in the USA, so I waited 3 weeks once I had made the decision.

Ah, ok - well, I think it'll probably be a lot more here! But I'll give it a go. I can't carry on like this, it's really fucking up my life.

You need to see a good gynae who will guide you on your choices.

Have you ever been assessed for endo?

Pain that shows up outside the uterus at the time of periods can be endo. This won't be cured by the operations you want.

Ask your GP for a referral to a gynae who is experienced in endo (they all have their specialities.)

Thanks @jinglinghellsbells, I'll see what I can do, but I think it tends to be just a matter of sticking me on the waiting list, but I will ask!

Bit late to this but hope you're still reading. I had endometerosis and after years of problems and lots of doctor visits I went in one day and told they they HAD to do something. I went on Zoladex for six months and then they booked me in to have my one remaining ovary removed. This was the January when they booked me in and I got a date through for June, which was subsequently cancelled. I was told it could be up to another years wait so I went private in the end. So if I were you I would just request they remove your ovaries, they won't do a hysterectomy unless absolutely necessary.

Ovary removal at 44 is a really big decision with long term risks to your health.

You would need HRT up to 51 ish at least to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease 10 years down the line.

The estrogen in the HRT would still activate any endo of that is what you have.

You would need to get the right balance with estrogen, progesterone and maybe also testosterone, for several years otherwise you will feel absolutely awful- removal of ovaries is the same as a man being castrated and it's not something to do lightly.

hysterectomy preferable to HRT imo

most important thing is to get a diagnosis.

There may be one or more things going on- peri menopause and perhaps endo or adenomyosis.

Taking bits away won't solve any of this and will only potentially create other problems.