I'm also post menopausal, had a 10 cm cyst on my ovary which had to come out. At first my doctor was considering taking out everything because of my age plus I have fibroids in my uterus. After consulting with another doctor, she decided there was no need to do that. It would have been a more complicated surgery which only meant greater risks and longer recovery time for no added benefit. In the end I had my one ovary, tube and cyst removed. Went quickly and smoothly and I recovered in a short time.
"Taking out everything" Did they want to remove your uterus? I wouldn't do that either. It seems like there is no need to do that unless there is a problem. She also mentioned I would be in some back and shoulder pain afterwards from the carbon dioxide they have to use to separate your organs. Did you experience that?
Yes, because of the fibroids. I didn't have any gas pains this time round. Not sure why. I did when I had a laparoscopy way back in the early 70's (I had multiple cysts back then).
It sounds like it must be really hard even with an viginal ultrasound to see what is really going on. I had a tubal ligation over 25 years ago, and I think that may be why there is scar tissue that creates a cyst?!