Risk reduction from ovary removal

kimberly62

I'm having a hysterectomy in August due to persistent uterine thickening from being on Tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years. I'm debating whether to have my ovaries removed as well as my uterus. I am post menopausal and didn't know if removing my ovaries at this point would offer any breast cancer risk reduction. I've heard that pre menopause there is a benefit to having them removed, but wasn't sure about post menopause. Thank you for any input you can provide.

karody

I had oophorectomy/hysterectomy at my oncologist's recommendation at age 36. I have regretted it a lot. I am dry as a rasin, head to toe. Severe dry eyes and dry.......everything. Sexual desire and sex itself is history. But....I am alive and my cancer has not returned, so perhaps it beats the alternative.

radonlady

I am in the same boat. Been on Tamoxifen 2 1/2 years as well and it put me in menopause. I haven't had a period since 4/2017 then I started bleeding/spotting this past March. I found out yesterday my endometrial lining is thick (19 mm) with vascularity and I have numerous cystic changes. I'm not sure what to do at this point (hysterectomy or D&C and switch to different med). My onc wants me to stay on Tamoxifen for at least 2 or more years. I'm thinking of seeing a gync onc for a 2nd opinion. Sex has been very painful for me since my periods stopped......it kills me but we don't even have intercourse anymore. I wish there was a true "right" answer with this situation.

kimberly62

Karody, I am afraid that taking my ovary, even though I'm already in menopause, will make things even worse. Radonlady, I was only on Tamoxifen a few years, and then my oncologist switched me to an AI when I hit menopause. I couldn't tolerate the AI, so I went on Evista. The uterine thickening never went away, and hysterectomy was recommended as Evista (according to oncologist & gynecologist) can play havoc with your utereus too. I wanted to remain on Evista for breast cancer risk reduction, so out goes the uterus. It's so hard to have to deal with the side effects of medications. Best of luck with your decisions.

kimberly62

Karody, I am afraid that taking my ovary, even though I'm already in menopause, will make things even worse. Radonlady, I was only on Tamoxifen a few years, and then my oncologist switched me to an AI when I hit menopause. I couldn't tolerate the AI, so I went on Evista. The uterine thickening never went away, and hysterectomy was recommended as Evista (according to oncologist & gynecologist) can play havoc with your utereus too. I wanted to remain on Evista for breast cancer risk reduction, so out goes the uterus. It's so hard to have to deal with the side effects of medications. Best of luck with your decisions.