Surgical menopause

[dirtyfabulous]

I am looking having a total hysterectomy including oophorectomy. I had an ovary removed 11 years ago due to a borderline ovarian tumor. I'm mid 30s now& my family is complete.
My oncologist wants me to wait 6 weeks for HRT. She doesn't like the idea of an oestrogen implant. From what I have read some women have HRT immediately.
I have an appointment coming up & I really want to tackle the issue of HRT,it's mode of delivery & when I get it.
I have a young family, I need to be as functional as possible & I feel like my needs post surgery are just not important. It's causing me so much anxiety.

Sorry I should have added that I would love to hear from anyone who has experience of this issue.
Many thanks

No experience but have been involved in meno issues personally and professionally (writing about them as a medical author.)

I'd like to know why the hysterectomy now . have you been clear of any cancer for 11 years (and it was borderline anyway.)

what's taken you back to the oncologist now?

What I have learned after talking to several gynaecologists as part of my work is that there are as many opinions as there are consultants, almost.

It seems a bit drastic to have this op if you are well now.

Most consultants would advise you to hang onto your ovary unless there is a clear sign of disease. They continue to produce small amounts of estrogen for life.

If you have the op, you will need estrogen for life perhaps, which is fine, the risks of HRT do not apply to estrogen-only.
You may also need testosterone at some point- the 'women's dose' .

An implant has the drawback that you cannot alter the dose once it's in place.

I have read here and on other forums that many women are happy with Oestogel ( a gel) which I have used for 11 years myself, post menopause.

Do you have private medical insurance and if so, are you able to travel anywhere for a 2nd opinion, or pay for 1 appt with another consultant?

Interested in replies because I am waiting for total hysterectomy too & gynae just gave me a HRT leaflet but no indication of what type I would be given or how long afterwards I will start it

JinglingHellsBells thank you for your detailed reply.
I was told 11 years ago that ultimately I would require a hysterectomy, my fertility was preserved due to my age & want to complete my family. I have had 6 monthly appointments since then as well as a couple of keyhole surgeries for complex cyst which turned out to be benign.
There are a few types of borderline tumor. I had a serious type. This is unpredictable as opposed to the others. There is a risk I could develop ovarian cancer in my remaining ovary. My situation is rare so there are no stats but approx 5% chance of malignancy. 20-30%chance of another borderline. That 5% is a huge gamble as far as I'm concerned.
I do have private medical insurance. I know I do want the surgery,it's the dark cloud over me for the last decade. Waiting for something to go wrong. I just want to be confident that I will receive the aftercare I need. I had been thinking about a second opinion but my oncologist is so highly regarded..
I have read about testosterone & the role it plays. I can predict the response to that!

Bringbackthestripes Here's to good outcomes for us both!

My gynae believes in a team approach so they work with patients' other consultants.

Is there any way you can have the op done by your oncologist and have your HRT taken care of by a menopause specialist rather than an oncologist?

JinglingHellsbells I am going to get a second opinion on the HRT front. At my last appointment I asked my oncologist who I speak to about HRT and she told me it was her. At the very least, another opinion is needed I think.