Posted by cindy lou on February 17, 2007, at 18:39:47
Hi,
I have posted on and off over the years. Briefly, my condition is depression and anxiety which is always there, and sometimes flares into a severe condition. I have been on several different meds and "cocktails" over the years.My depression seemed to start the minute I started puberty -- could be coincidental, I'm not sure. But I have had a horrible time wtih hormones -- severe PMS (to the point where I've been suicidal the week before my period, then fine the second day of my period), post-partum depression, etc.
I am 42 now, and scheduled for a hysterectomy due to a prolapsed bladder and uterus which cannot be fixed in other ways. My gyn, pdoc and I are wondering if it should be a "total" hysterectomy, with the ovaries removed. My gynecologist said that I "have been a victim of my hormones for too long" and my pdoc feels that hormones do play a major role in my depression, and the inability for meds to work for me.
In addition, I have had a few breast cancer scares, and removing the ovaries should reduce the risk of breast cancer.
My question is: does anyone know if removing my ovaries may help reduce the depression, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, etc. that I have had for 20+ years? Any experience out there? I know I will be thrown into "instant menopause" and I am not sure what that will involve emotionally. However, my gynecologist said it would be better for me than to go through peri-menopause, the three or so years before menopause when my hormones are roller coastering worse than they already are.
I could really use your opinions out there! Thank you!
cindy
poster:cindy lou
thread:733679
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070213/msgs/733679.html