Is a hysterectomy essential?

[PinkPointing]

Following a few years of irregular and very minor non-menstrual bleeding, I've been diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. This apparently means that an abnormality in the womb lining might turn into cancer over 20 years (up to a 30% risk). The solution is a complete hysterectomy (doctor's preferred option) or hormone therapy. I feel both are an extreme solution to a condition that I was barely aware of, causes no pain and might (but not necessarily) have a poor outcome. The surgery would be very problematic for me at present due to work and life. The doctor has said it could be left for a year or so without problems. What would you do? I am asking for opinions here as I am extremely reluctant to discuss my health with friends or family.

Maybe get this post moved to the womens health board, for more traffic. This is the cancer board, where most are actually dealing with cancer or know someone who is.

I’d have it to be honest, but obviously a v personal choice

@PinkPointing that is so tough.

I'm sure you are in the process of researching everything available online.

This site is informative

Your age, whether you have/want, or not, children and their ages may all be a factor for you.

There are so many things for you to consider but just remember @PinkPointing nothing, surgically, will happen without your consent.

Thinking of you 🌸

I would have the hysterectomy personally but as pp said it’s a very personal decision. I wouldn’t let being at a busy point in my life impact my decision. Having fallen off a health cliff and been unexpectedly hospitalised for a month, I’ve realised everyone was able to carry on with life without me. It’s being freeing really to realise I can just focus on myself and everyone else will cope just fine if I do that.

Whether it's essential or not for your condition I have no idea, but as it's major surgery I don't think it would be recommended without good reason.

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy four years ago at age 67 and semi-retired, and made a full recovery within weeks.

There's no reason why you won't return to your job and normal life very quickly, just as I did.

I'd likely have it, then get on HRT after, if they take your ovaries. Work will always be there, but I'd say also the risk for prolapse isn't that big, get started on weekly pelvic physiotherapy now, and repeatdly a few months before your operation so that after your pelvic muscles are still strong. You'll need to have a few weeks off, and can't start pelvic physio then, its better to start now.

What specific Hormone therapy could you try? Perhaps do that for 6 months to a year, and then depending on how positive it's been and worked, you can reconsider the hysterectomy. Or if it hasn't then go for it.

I had this diagnosis and with potentially early stage cancer. The histology did indeed show cancer was present. I had keyhole surgery and recovered well though due to the cancer am not allowed HRT. They told me immediately after the op to start on the pelvic floor exercises.