Anyone Had a Hysterectomy Before 40? - Durham,NC

I had a hysterectomy when I was 34 years old because I had huge fibroids that were cause heavy, painful periods. Because the fibroids were so big, I had to have the surgery done abdominally instead of vaginally. My recovery time was about 6 weeks, by the time I regained my full energy level and all the pain was finally gone.

You do know that a hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, right? That means you will not have periods, as a period is the body shedding the lining of the uterus.

I can't tell you if having a hysterectomy is right for you or not, I can only speak for myself. I can say that it was a good decision for me, as it changed my health drastically. I'm glad I did it.

I did have the doctor leave one ovary,so I didn't go through menopause. You might want to ask if this is an option, because it does help with mood swings and weight.

You really need to consult a doctor about this surgery and not rely on the advice of a nurse, because once it's done, there is no going back.

Good luck.

I have a friend that did. She went through menopause due to it--loss of the hormones. Do you have to have one? Is it the recommended thing due to the fibroids? I wouldn't go that far unless it is really needed. I got my tubes done when I had my son.

I was 40 and it's the best thing I ever did for myself.

My fear was the swelly belly, potential weight gain ( I've only been over 116# when I was pregnant 19 yrs ago), sex drive etc

I've never been happier... I got a lot of good info from the site of www.hystersisters.com. Lots of info... Some tmi but good info

I never had weight gain, nor swelly belly. I wore a binder faithfully and followed dr orders. In the end, I never had any issues but positive... Sex was/is great..... No oopsies, EVER!! And I'm in the best shape I've ever been.

I'm pro surgery if you communicate with your Dr and know what to expect. I have no regrets

I did use the HRT patch for about 10 yrs post surgery but not to the degree of dosage recommended. I am completely off of the HRT now and again, no issues whatsoever.

I can't respond to the hysterectomy itself. However, I do have primary ovarian failure- basically, my ovaries just shut down after the birth of my last baby when I was 37.
If they are only removing the uterus, you'll still have all your estrogen and progesterone- no menopausal symptoms. You'll still have PMS like symptoms, just no cramps or anything like that. Bloating, moodiness, headaches, will all still occur due to fluctuating hormones just like if you had a uterus.
If they remove it all (ovaries included), you'll have to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) until you're at an age where you'll go through menopause naturally- around 50 years old. Estrogen protects the bones and without HRT, you could be at risk for osteoporosis.
I struggle with my HRT- something will work for a while and then not work so great. I'll develop anxiety, palpitations, hot flashes, etc when the hormones stop being as effective. It's a constant battle. My gyn will adjust and I go on- wash, rinse, repeat for the next 11 years!
Any slight problem with my girlie parts and I am having everything removed. It's not like it's working for me anyway. Right now, my HRT does cause me to have periods as it mimics a natural monthly cycle.
But you should talk to your dr about whether it's a full or partial hysterectomy and what comes with both options. Your doctor should be the one talking to you about it, not the nurse.