Hysterectomy

rvgirl

Hi all,

I'm perimenopausal(47)and finished treatment for DCIS 5 months ago. I am HR positive for both P and E. Yet, my oncologist and gynocologist took me off Tamoxifin 2 months ago because I have very bad endometriosis and it was causing a rapid increase in endometrial tissue in addition to fluid filled cysts in my uterus. I was in a great deal of pain again, despite 2 laproscopic surgeries 4 months prior to the BC. I also had a left ovary removed due to the endo. Right now, I'm on a monthly pain management program for cramps, despite the fact that I also had a uterine ablation (burning off of uterine tissue).

My gynocologist feels that I should have a total hysterectomy because it's either that or I will continue to have laproscopic surgeries to remove the scar tissue and pain.

Here's my questions:

1. If I have a hysterectomy, my risk of BC is lowered, which is good because I can't take Tomaxifin. However, I imagine I cannot take HRTs after the hysterectomy, but what if I have a bad time and need them? What kind of problems after a hysterectomy cause a woman to have to take HRT?

2. If a woman does not have a hysterectomy and allows menopause to take place naturally, can she still need HRTs?

I am very concerned because I've suffered from depression since I was about 10 years old. I am scared to lose my estrogen because I don't want to end up with a miserable future.

I'm going to get a second opinion but I'm curious for any feedback to prepare me.

Thanks in advance,

Ellen