Hysterectomy with no HRT

[ShinySquirrel]

I'm hoping to hear some experiences from those who've had a hysterectomy with no HRT please. I had an endometrial ablation years ago, which failed, so a hysterectomy is the next step.

I'm right at the start of all this, but I had a hormone positive cancer so I am absolutely not allowed HRT. I want to thoroughly do my research as I need to weigh up whether I'm better carrying on as I am now, compared to any potential issues following a hysterectomy. I am only 40 so it's important I make the correct decision.

I had a very positive gynae appointment this week and have come out of it with lots of referrals - colposcopy, hysteroscopy, scans, etc, as the consultant wants a full picture of what's going on. But I have been told that realistically, my only treatment option available to me now is a hysterectomy and they will look at the possibility of leaving my ovaries so I can have the benefit of my own hormones for as long as possible.

Any and all advice and stories welcome please!

I had a complete hysterectomy and used HRT for 10 years. I feel into that group who were told it wasn’t advisable to take HRT for longer than 10 years and when I stopped I had night sweats and hot flushes.

Exactly same as you @OP, not HRT, full hysterectomy 6yrs ago.

I had a full hysterectomy at 34 (now in my 60s). It was a big operation in those days, no vaginal hysterectomy options.
I recovered well and refused HRT. I didn't like the fact they were assuming I'd take it - I said I wanted to see what my body did first. If I had problems, I'd ask for it but I wasn't taking any drugs or hormones without reason.

I never needed it, all was fine. My body didn't start to change until my late 50s when I put on weight round my middle despite remaining active and eating the same. Now I'm in my 60s I have some mild vaginal atrophy so only now have I begun to use Vagifem pessaries but even so, I don't use them as regularly as the doctor suggests.

Personally, the hysterectomy was the best operation I ever had, but that's because I had no ill effects once I'd recovered, and because it freed me from the most terrible periods (pain, bleeding etc). I don't think the current changes to my body were anything to do with the lack of HRT after the operation, just the natural aging process for a woman well past her mid 60s.

I had a hysterectomy 4yrs ago at 38, I kept my ovaries. No HRT but did start peri menopause about 18mths ago. Hasn't been to bad.

The hysterectomy was the best thing I've done, no more debilitating periods meaning I feel like I've got my life back.

Same here, hormones al breast cancer at 49, no HRT ever, full hysterectomy at 56 due to pre cancerous cells. I haven't suffered much with flushes, anything brain related ao have been lucky. However I am verging on osteoporosis which the podiatrist said could be related to lack of hormones, and have general aches and pains especially at night. I'd have liked to be able to make my own choice to weigh up the risks and benefits of HRT rather than being flatly denied it. I'd also have appreciated more warning about bones getting brittle.
But on the whole, the hysterectomy was beneficial and solved so many problems.

Thanks all for sharing. It was breast cancer I had too. I've got my annual phone appointment for it coming up (usually just a quick 'Any issues? No? Good, you know where we are'.) but I'm going to explain what's going on currently and get their opinion about HRT. I already know it's a 'no' but helpful to get that on record as a recent answer.

My periods aren't actually that bad, they are light but they go on forever so I'm bleeding/spotting every three weeks out of four. I can get on with life, if that makes sense, but it is an annoyance.