Anyone happy they had their ovaries removed (RRSO)?

Hi-- I am probably a minority, but I got my ovaries removed and I would do it again. I sit here 8 months later and I feel great.

This is definitely not everyone's experience. I had a hard time finding positive outcomes. I was terrified. I cried a lot. I thought my life was going to fall apart. Are things a little drier? Uh, yeah. But that's been it. In fact, I feel more even keeled. I sleep well. Are things going to be awful in 5 years? Maybe. I have no idea. But no one escapes menopause and I try to take it day by day.

I have exercised 30 min everyday since September and that has been a great thing for me....and I wonder if that helps with everything.

With an estrogen fed cancer, I think I mentally just wanted my estrogen making machines out. Especially being premenopausal. That's the way I looked at it. I also had a hysterectomy with it. It's been a new chapter, and I had good results with it!

My MO wanted me to start with the shots before the oopherectomy. I didn't go that route, but that may be a good way to test the waters before you do the surgery....

Hi Dottybird!

I have a pathogenic mutation of my ATM gene. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51. Before that, I had been on birth control, and then hormone replacement until my diagnosis. So, I never “experienced” menopause. After diagnosis, I stopped hormone replacement and began Aromatase Inhibitors, Arimidex.

After just over a year on AI’s, I had total hysterectomy and BSO (uterus, cervix, ovaries, tubes). I am older than you, but I did not experience menopause, due to HRT, until my diagnosis at age 51. With the AI’s I had joint pain which is much relieved by taking Teva generic, or better yet Brand name Arimidex. I get some warm flashes. I initially had a harder time sleeping but that has gone away. I never gained weight. I exercise frequently and eat a healthy diet. I am in good shape and fit. I do have a bit of brain fog. Used to be superwoman and a fabulous multitasker. Now I have to be super organized and methodical. Since my hysterectomy and BSO, things have not changed much from being on AI’s. I often wonder if any aches, pains, fatigue are age related, just my body (had some arthritis and injuries prior), post Covid, AI’s, loss of ovaries... That said, I do everything I want to do. A personal lubricant will be your friend. But intimacy with my husband is still great.

I agree with Kathabus. I feel pretty darn good and am happy to be rid of ovaries lingering estrogen and also happy to have less body parts cancer can target. My sister’s “prophylactic” surgery found uterinecancer. We share the same mutation. I feel the surgery was a good trade!

I hope you come to a decision for yourself that you feel good about! Keep us posted.

I had breast cancer in my early 40s and removed my ovaries a few years after, some 5 years ago or so. I feel fine. Dry down there - yes. But other than that I feel absolutely fine. I don't miss my periods either. Well actually the chemo had already effected those. I had been terrified that I would suffer mental fog, but I am as sharp as ever and physically fit till now. I had a relative who had survived breast and died of ovarian. Was not going to sit and wait and let it happen to me. Off they went! Haven't looked back.

I did it around 54. I immediately had tsunami hot flashes. That was seven years ago. Still have them. I had a scary family history, ALH/ADH. Invasive was found in the preventive mx despite blue ribbon screening. I would not do the ooph again. My gynonc said the chances of ovarian cancer if one is Brca neg islike 2%. I was just so afraid back then. This mama needs her estrogen.

Harley - I would think at 63 the ooph would not be that impacting. Also there is some research out there regarding removing just the Fallopian tubes since it is thought most OC starts there. I think that is generally a recommendation for premenopausal woman as a stop gap before ooph. Surgery wise the ooph was nothing. I did it outpatient and I was back to my normal life the next day. Easy peasey. Might be worth it for peace of mind.

A few years after the ooph I had post meno bleeding from tamoxifen use so I had a complete hyster. Now I don’t even see a gyn anymore. I also have my PCP follow me for the BC stuff, so now I only see one doctor once a year.

Hi

I was wondering what recovery time would be for an Oomp? I have one scheduled very soon and was trying to get a better picture of the discomfort afterwards. I know everyone is different but this will be my first laproscopic surgery.

thank you

Thank you CBK!

The most uncomfortable bit is the pressure from the gas they use to inflate your stomach. It takes a few days for that to work its way out. I was out and walking the next day and was feeling pretty good by day 4. I can't imagine shopping the next day!

El Tigre.

The procedure is nothing but the after effects were profound for me losing all that estrogen. Do not fear the procedure if you have an experienced surgeon in this arena!