Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Depression after removal of just one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy)

I had my left ovary removed April 29, had my first period May 25 post op and I am mid-cycle now.

I cannot stop crying. I had a 4-5 day build up of a bit of sensitivity that grew and grew. Last night I started crying and couldn't stop all day. If my cycle is normal, I should ovulate around Saturday so I know I'm not PMS-ing. I do not have a previous history of depression and due to the "uncontrollableness" of the crying, I feel this must be hormonally driven. My gyno says it would be abnormal.

Is there a hormone test that I could be given before I go get a prescription for an antidepressant? Do you ladies think it's more hormonally driven or maybe just the psychological effects of the stress of the surgery and other life events?
14 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hello i know this post was a while ago so I’m not sure if anyone will reply but I’m 23 and just had my left ovary removed yesterday.  I know it’s close my surgery but I’m already having a lot of side effects with depression. I’m not sure how to handle.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had my left ovary removed. I am 33 and had emergency surgery in September of this year. Since then I have been struggling with depression, anxiety and negative thoughts. I cry all the time. I have 2 teenage boys and I'm still feeling a sense of loss within my self. Currently awaiting a hormonal test to see what is going on with me.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
2rmom, I'm sorry your ovary was removed and you're suffering as a result. It's a shame and concerning  that gynecologists oftentimes remove the ovary instead of just the cyst. It seems that they don't want to take the extra time and care to preserve the ovary even though removal of even one can cause all kinds of health problems since our ovarian hormones are so important our whole lives.

Let us know what you find out from the hormone testing.
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm sorry for your suffering! I became suicidally depressed after my hysterectomy not to mention the long list of other horrible effects! And my doctor shouldn't have removed any of my parts but I know I'm not alone in this over-treatment.

Can you not take HRT?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had both ovaries removed in 2009, and noticed that I became very depressed after that.  And still am . . . I've simply gotten used to feeling this way = it's the new norm.  Previously, I was a Pollyanna, so the difference is quite noticeable to friends and family.  Now my doctor wants to put me on Zoloft = = = I said that makes no sense because it doesn't treat the "cause" of my symptoms; it only masks them.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm you are suffering. How recently was your surgery?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh thank God it's not just me... I am sooooo down and moody, normally I can bounce back from life's knocks but I'm so tired all the time after having my right ovary removed due to a large Teratoma. Nothing seems to help, not fizzy vitamin boosters, nada. And it's not just feeling physically tired and exhausted but emotionally drained that's getting to me.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am sorry to hear your ovary was removed and you are suffering. Hopefully, your other ovary will "get the message" and take over. If that does not happen soon, you may want to see your doctor since early menopause is associated with a number of increased health risks. Taking hormones can mitigate some of these risks as well as ease the symptoms.

Post back and let us know how you are doing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had my left ovary removed in May of this year. Couple of months i have been okay, but mostly i just cry for no reason. No energy just a tired blob. My boyfriend doesn't understand...hard to explain to men.. I wanted to try the natural effect with evening primrose oil. But i dont think it is helping. I think having that procedure puts you into pre menopausal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am sorry to hear your ovary was removed. Did you have a large cyst? Unfortunately, removal of any part of the "reproductive" system can disrupt natural hormone production, either temporarily or permanently. It can even hasten the onset of perimenopause or menopause. Your symptoms are indicative of hormonal "upset." Hopefully, this is temporary.

Keep us posted as you recover from this surgery. I hope to hear that everything is soon back to normal including your menstrual cycle / hormones.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 13 days post op.I'm 43 and  I had my left ovary removed. For the past three days I have been experiencing feelings of panic, emptiness and being tearful intermittently. I feel tired frustrated and I'm wondering what the he'll is going on! Is this normal?
All replies appreciated. Thank you.
Yvonne
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im 4weeks post op. My left ovary was removed and im currently depressed And I cant understand why. I haven't had my period yet.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I sympathize with you as well, I am 21 and I had my right ovary removed july 2012 due to a large ovarian cyst. Ever since then I have not felt the same, perhaps it was the stress of losing my ovary when I desperately want children but I now suffer from severe depression- I cry incessantly and with no reason. I am still not sure as to what to do as it comes and goes with seasons, I do hate these ovarian cysts. I do know of a woman how had one and 3/4 ovaries removed and had her FIVE children afterwards, so pretty_woman I do hope all is going well with you i know I am late on this feed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Gosh, I know exactly how you feel. I went to surgury for the removal of ONE ovary due to a teratoma and ended up with one and a HALF removed. I want more children and this has been soooo hard to me. I had surgery 2 years ago and have been TTC for about 2 and a half. I still cry and I'm still not over it (even now that I'm writing to you I'm crying). Maybe cause I haven't been able to get pregnant.  I really hope the best to you and if you need a friend I'm here. Good Luck!!
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
What you are experiencing is normal after this surgery.  I went through it too.  Surgery plus the stress of worrying about the possibility of cancer, etc. don't help but the main reason is that it can take a few months for the remaining ovary to kick in and until that happens you are very likely to go through intense peri-menopausal symptoms.  Allow yourself to cry, continue to rest and relax and take it easy, and you will be back to normal soon.  Just warn your friends and family :)  If you aren't feeling better in a couple of months from now then take a look at the depression issue.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cysts Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.