Ovaries to be removed - Experiences

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I have had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and have now opted to have my ovaries removed soon as am a BRCA 2 carried. I am 45, and have had breast cancer in the past

 

If anyone has had ovary removal can they please give me their experiences of coping with a surgical menopause and how they dealt with symptoms. My GP today said it wouldnt make sense to give me HRT as my breast cancer was ER positive. He said bone density is more important and they would monitor that each year. I am hearing horror stories and although I have had no feelings towards my reconstruction the ovary removal scares me as there is so much stigma in the media about “menopausal women” and I feel without HRT it may be tough going. My GP said most women take phytoestrogens instead of HRT.

 

I am not sure he understood the difference between a natural meno and a surgical one. Although I would say now I am proabably peri-meno

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

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Hi lella69

While you are waiting for some replies to your post, I’ve attached a link to our publication which I thought may be of some help:

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/bcc27_ovarian_ablation.pdf

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

3

Hi Lella,

I’ve had my ovaries removed. I have brca1 mutation. Everyone’s experience is different and I wondered what you wanted to know? I’m happy to answer your questions.

Rattles x

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Hi. Just really if you started with hot flushes and other symptoms and how soon after. If so are you on hrt or using natural remedies. Thanks

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Hi,

I had my ovaries removed 3 years ago, aged 46 (as preventative surgery), and was then prescribed a low dose HRT patch. I have not had any hot flushes, although I have put on a bit of weight. I can’t honestly say the weight gain is due to the menopause though, as it is more likely due to over indulgence!

 

Good luck with the procedure.  I appreciate everyone’s experience is different, but I have sailed through surgical menopause without any symptoms.  

Deb

 

 

6

Hey…
I had my ovaries removed last May, I am brca 1 positive and my sister had ovarian cancer diagnosed at 35…I am 33.
The op was pretty straightforward, and when I woke up I had hot flushes within an hour. The recovery was tough mentally and the hot flushes are pretty intense, my skin went really really dry and my hair has changed (now really really thick!!!)
I am now waiting for my mastectomy and still get hot flushes, anxiety and mood swings… It is not a walk in the park but it also is not the absolute horror story that I read before the op…I really don’t regret doing it!!!