Hi, I have the BRCA1 gene mutation and have been through breast cancer treatment (still on all the follow ups but active treatment is over). Been advised to have my ovaries removed because of the risk of ovarian cancer and after waiting for 18 months I have a date next week! Going round and round in my head about it because I’m worried about managing menopause symptoms when I can’t take HRT. Can anyone share experiences? I’ve been lucky on all my meds so far that side effects have been minimal but I’m worried in case that changes after the op.
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If you’ve tolerated endocrine therapy well chances are great you’ll tolerate ovarian removal well also. I had my ovaries removed last year. My menopausal symptoms stayed the same although for the first month afterwards I did have more hot flashes. They went away though.
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Thanks, that’s reassuring. It makes sense that the symptoms would be the same seeing as my oestrogen levels are already surpressed, but none of the doctors or nurses I speak to can confirm that
Hi @Kay0987 and @greenbell_18 nothing to add really but just to say I am wondering the same things. I have the BRAC2 gene mutation and am in the list for oopherectomy, will probably happen in around a year. I am on ovarian suppression and symptoms not too bad so really hoping it will be the same - I have seen a few people on this forum confirm this, although the hot flushes seem to intensify temporarily. Will be v interested to hear what you choose and your experience if you do decide to have the surgery x
I managed to speak to the menopause specialist at the hospital yesterday and he confirmed that the fact I’m tolerating oestrogen suppression well is a good sign. Apparently the goserlin injections are sometimes used to see how people cope before having their ovaries removed. That doesn’t definitely mean I won’t have awful symptoms but it’s a good indicator. Hopefully that info will help you too but definitely worth seeing if you can speak to a menopause specialist. My surgery has now been postponed by a few weeks but I will try to remember to come back after and update this thread with how I’m feeling.
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