Ovarian cysts- Surgical menopause

[MoOonlightDreams]

I am 36 with two children, my family is complete and my husband has had a vasectomy so no more babies.
I have dermoid cysts on both ovaries (7 and 8 cm) that have nearly doubled in size over three years. I have no symptoms (apart from large stomach and weeing lots in the night.. not sure if thats related..) and normal cycles and periods, but the cysts won’t go away on their own. Ive been given an urgent gynaecology referral (which is a 7 month wait). I am unsure whether to push for surgery, as removing cysts from both ovaries could risk losing them entirely and bringing on surgical menopause- something I know very little about to be honest but my mum suffered terribly for a long time with menopause (hot flashes, insomnia etc) . My hormones have always been incredibly erratic and I have suffered with PMDD, anxiety, depression, post natal so im prone to low mood.
I am also concerned about potential cancer risk and continued growth, as surely the bigger they get the more problematic removing them will be.

Anyone had a similar situation or got any thoughts or advice? Or experience of surgical menopause and what hormone replacement was like?

Good morning!
Hopefully you will get some more relevant personal stories on here, but I really recommend taking the time you have now until your appointment doing two things. One is reading up on what you are going through. There are so many books and free lectures available on youtube these days, you will be able to get the perspectives from multiple doctors who deal with this day in and day out. Number two is generally review your health and fitness. Are you where you want to be? I say that because improving health and fitness will be easier before an operation, if you decide on that.
I 'had' to have a partial hysterectomy a few years ago, and I really wish I had known more about it, and the consequences. Water under the bridge now, but I wish I knew then what I know now.
Best wishes!

I don't know your situation, but is there any way you could afford a private consultation? There are gynaecologists who are specialists with exactly this (not all are- they all have their areas of expertise.)

It is obviously something to discuss in detail when you see the consultant. But as it's 7 months away it's going to be on your mind all of that time.

You say you're unsure whether to push for surgery.

TBH I don't think there is a question over that. If the cysts are growing fast and are dermoid cysts (not simple ones) I think that surgery is what they would do.
You already have bladder issues from the pressure of them. The 'rule' with cysts is that they usually remove any over 5cms.

The bigger question is can you have the cysts removed and leave your ovaries?
It's a question to ask ( and you can probably find answers online on some medical sites.) And different surgeons will have different opinions and levels of experience. So you can always ask for a 2nd opinion.

If they remove your ovaries then yes, it will be surgical menopause and you will need HRT to at least 50. That's non-negotiable.

You'd start HRT immediately after the surgery.
Thousands of women use hrt and although it make take time to find exactly the right sort and dose, it's not too complicated.