oophorectomy and HRT

venus514...This post hits really close to home.  I am 34. Diagnosed with triple neg breast cancer.  I am also BRCA 1 positive.  I am married but do not have kids. I was trying for a few years before diagnosis. Now I'm facing a tough decision about oopherectomy and total hysterectomy right away or waiting to see if I can try for a baby.  I have the exact same questions you do so I am so glad I found your post.   My ob/gyn said that they often use Effexor to help with the hot flashes instead of HRT.  The double bonus of helping with depression that inherently comes with this horrible experience.  

You are not alone and I am grateful to find others that help ease the burden. Stay strong!

I had a preventative opherectomy (my mom and aunt died of ovca) when I was 39.  I had no menopausal symptoms because I want on a HRT patch.  I always knew there was a risk of breast cancer from staying on the patch but I also did not want to go into early menopause.  Thus, I monitored myself through mammos and breast mris every 6 months.  This past October, I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast.  Because of family history, I did a bilateral mastectomy.  Rather than go cold turkey, I have been weaning myself off the HRT.  So far, the hot flashes and night sweats are dealable.  I am not thrilled to wake up in the middle of the night several times or gain some weight.  On the other hand, I want to avoid getting cancer as much as possible.  Hope this helps.

hi, I stumbled across your site. I know it's been a few years since your post. I had bc at 36, brca 1, chemo, bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Then in 2011 sub- oophorectomy. Removing ovaries, tubes and uterus ( because they can contain a bit of f- tube tissue). Started ERT a few months later, have been on it now 7 years. If you are triple negative and had Breast and ooh done, it is fine.And I would definitely say it has helped so much with surgical menopause and side effects. Skin, mood, bones etc... And peace of mind.

don’t have brca1 but do have brip1 mutation (may be involved with increased BC risk, definitely high risk for ovarian cancer). Had BMX with immediate DIEP flap recon in feb. had stage 2 recon along with hysterectomy, oophorectomy and salpingectomy 11/2. So far so good. And I haven’t been taking my anti-depressant I’ve been on for years either. Had 2 days where husband said I was grumpy (at least 1 of those days he came home from work grumpy and complained about a bunch of stuff I had no control over right when I was in the middle of something. So I’m calling that grumpy day justified.) Dealing with some acne issues on face, neck, upper chest & now upper arms. Temperature regulation (usually cold) also an issue but could be from my low red blood cell count I’m dealing with. HRT is not an option but dr may be ok with localized estrogen creams in the vagina to prevent atrophy. My hysterectomy was done laparoscopic assisted vaginal. Very little outright pain, some soreness. It’s hard to not overdo because I dont really feel like I had anything done-hope that makes sense. No big incision, no muscles cut, no problem standing/walking/etc. not at all like most surgeries I’ve had had.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any questions..