Ovary predicament

Going through breast cancer treatment Hormone therapy
1

Morning all,

I am not sure if I am looking for advice or just another point of view to my situation.

I have posted before about having ultra high oestrogen levels as I have recurring ovarian cysts. I have been seen by the gynaecologist this week and he gave me 3 options.

  1. Watch and wait

  2. Cyst removal

  3. Removal of ovaries

I thought I would jump at the chance to get my ovaries removed after so many problems with painful cysts over the last few years, and the added worry of extra oestrogen running around my body, but now I’ve been given the option all I can think about are the down sides of being put into menopause earlier than I would have liked.

I’m at a crossroads at the moment. I am back at the gynaecologists in 3 weeks so he has given me that amount of time to decide.

2

Hi @zazzle03,

I’m sorry that you haven’t had any replies to your post. Hopefully my reply now gives it a boost, and someone will share their experience with you.

Please know that our nurses are available to speak on our helpline 0808 800 6000, and that they will be able to give you more information about your options and what symptoms might be like.

We also have this information on our website which you might find helpful to have a read through Menopausal symptoms and breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now

Sending you all the best, and I hope you get some answers soon,

Alice :heart:

3

Hi @zazzle03

I haven’t had ovarian cysts but appreciate your quandary.

Having your ovaries removed will put you into the menopause unless of course you’re post menopausal

Was your cancer ER positive and if so are you on hormone blockers? My head tells me that if you are then having the ovaries removed may be a sensible decision. Have you discussed it with your BCN?

4

Hi, thank you for your reply.

I am not post menopausal, so one of my worries is the reality of going straight into the menopause if I have my ovaries removed.

After a lot of thought I do think it is the best way to go as my cancer was ER positive. I’m on tamoxifen at the moment.

I did speak to breast nurses and consultant at my last appointment and asked if there would be any reason that I shouldn’t get them removed. If I had been 10 years younger then maybe, but at 44 it would be something to discuss. As usual they can never recommend or advise me!