How will my hormones be affected with one ovary post hysterectomy

[44momoftwo]

Two and a half weeks ago I had a total hysterectomy(uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes) for a large fibroid and extended heavy periods(10-14 days). Going into surgery, I was fully expecting to have both ovaries left in tact. Because I had a growth(turned out to be a large benign cyst) on my left ovary, my Dr. decided to remove it to be safe. I actually feel pretty good, but I have three questions.

The first is, how will losing one ovary affect my hormones?  I know I won't go into menopause just losing one. I feel sort of weird, like I don't have a lot of hormones right now. Not that it's a bad thing. I'm probably used to too many hormones and the constant emotional up and downs. I'm not having any of that right now. I can only think that I feel a little "down." I'm not sure if that even makes sense.

My second question is, after the surgery, the only pain I am feeling(other than my occasional bawl issue) is pain in what feels like my right ovary. Literally, the only thing left seems to be hurting like a constant ovulation pain. Is that normal? It just seems very weird.

And finally, my third question is that I have a teenage daughter and she is claiming that my "lack of hormones" is affecting her. She is now over a week late for her period(no she is not sexually active/pregnant). Can my lack of cycle be affecting hers? I've heard that women tend to cycle together, so that is why I am asking. Thank you.

[old_before_my_time]

Yes, I also hope you do not fall into the 40% post-hysterectomy ovarian failure group! But even if you do not, you will probably go through menopause at least a few years earlier than you otherwise would have. And it may be more severe than natural menopause. Hoping the spotting is nothing concerning. You may just need the vaginal cuff cauterized.

[44momoftwo]

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not really sure what is happening hormonally with me. I certainly hope I don't fall into that 40%. I have my one month visit next week. I will have a list of questions for her. I have twinges in my right ovary, so I'm hoping that means its working or at least trying to work.

I also had some light spotting yesterday, but that could be from doing a little cleaning. That is the first time since the surgery that I have had any spotting.

For the record, my daughter had a sleepover with her friends and started her period the next morning. She is convinced that she needed to be around girls with hormones that work! Lol! I thought that was pretty funny, and maybe some truth to it.

[old_before_my_time]

Removal of any part of the "reproductive" system (which is actually for much more than reproduction) can disrupt hormones and cause an early menopause which may be as severe as surgical menopause. There is a study that says there is about a 40% risk of ovarian failure after hysterectomy. Another study says that the risk of ovarian failure is greater if one ovary is removed at the time of hysterectomy. It is a shame that your surgeon didn't remove the ovarian cyst and leave your ovary but that seems to be far too common. I had nothing wrong except an ovarian cyst and all my organs were removed. I was told I also had one on the other ovary before surgery but my medical records showed that was untrue. I am still appalled that these doctors can remove organs willy-nilly.

It is not unusual to still have pelvic pain since you are only 2-1/2 weeks post-op. It takes at least 6 months for full internal healing.

Physical and emotional stress can affect the menstrual cycle. That would probably be a more likely explanation of your daughter's delayed period.

Be sure to take it easy for the recommended period of time for proper healing - no strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sex.