52 years with complex cyst: treatment options?

[JenntayjjkennerleyJjkennerley]

I have not had a period for 3 years and apart from the odd hot flush thought I had transitioned easily into menopause.  But 2 weeks ago I had a mucus show like I used to experience when ovulating  and then the next day a tiny amount of spotting. My doctor sent me for an ultrasound which showed a complex cyst on my left ovary of about 1 cm in size with the radiologist report saying '?haemorraghic'. I am now seeing a gyn specialist in 3 weeks but my doctor says i I will have to have surgery, at least to biopsy etc.  I have done lots of research since, and am wondering if an alternative option could be to wait for a few weeks and see if it resolves, especially giventhe other symptoms of ovulation at the time. I am really worried about losing an ovary or both ovaries,especially as for other medical reasons I am not a candidate for HRT.  I have no other symptoms, apart from the lining of my uterus also being thicker than usual for a 'post menopausal woman'.   I did recently lose 18kg in weight (intended) and also wondered if this could have kick started my ovaries back into action.  Grateful for any advice anyone can provide about questions to ask the specialist, also would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences.

[old_before_my_time]

You are right to question your doctor saying that surgery is necessary. 1cm is a very small cyst. And yes, most cysts do go away on their own and even when they do not, most are benign even in post-menopausal women. I agree too that the cyst could be related to your symptoms of ovulation and your weight loss could have triggered the return of your menstrual cycle.

Far too many women lose ovaries (and uteri for that matter) unnecessarily despite a woman's lifetime risk being extremely low - 1.3%. Only about 2% of female organ removal surgeries are for cancer.

Contrary to what we are led to believe, the uterus and ovaries have lifelong non-reproductive functions. I was de-sexed (both ovaries and uterus removed) for a benign ovarian cyst. I never could have imagined that doctors get away with this but they do. There is a website that talks about the ridiculously high rate of removal of healthy ovaries and all the harm it is causing 1000 women per day (and has caused 14 million women who are still living). The website has a link of 350+ citations (mostly studies) that show the harm it causes. Check it out at overy dot org.

And as HVAC said, if you do go into surgery, you will likely need to modify the consent form to protect your vital organs. Sad but true.

[HVAC]

Watching and waiting is an option. You can have another ultrasound when they suggest. Unless you have the BRCA mutation or ovarian cancer in your immediate family you have a less than 2% of ovarian cancer.. You can specify in writing that you do not want your ovaries removed on the surgical consent. They can still take the cyst. That is reasonable. You can also talk to the Gyn Specialist. No one can make you do what you do not want to. You can also get a second opinion after seeing the specialist. It is all benefit/risk. It is good your doctors are cautious. You can also have a CA 125 blood test.

I had the BRCA gene and was full of cancer.  So I had no choice but to lose my ovaries. I was in surgery in less than a week. They move fast when it is cancer. Slow is good. Heamorragic cysts are not usually cancer. 1cm is small. My doctor thought mine would resolve she just did not do anymore ultrasounds until the cancer was all over. I had symptoms too. I threw up and had diaphragm spasms for two years and lost weight with out trying. I also bled for two years straight before that.

My biggest complaint for losing my ovaries is my sex life is gone. I have no want, zero feeling, and pain. I realize I had no choice but I wish someone had told me this could happen.

Alex