I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy because of terrible cramps. I have, in the past two months, made a connection between hormones and my ibs symptoms--which are increasingly worse. My doctor did not intend to remove ovaries. I am in early 40's. I am wondering in removing just one ovary might lessen ibs symptoms. Or do I need to have ovaries removed to decrease hormonal problems that seem to be causing my ibs woes/
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Hi timonroe,
March 1, 2011 - 9:56amThank you for your question and for joining EmpowHER. I have never heard of hysterectomy being a treatment for dysmenorrhea (painful periods and cramps). Have you been diagnosed with dysmenorrhea or some other condition like fibriods? When are you getting the cramps? Is it coinciding with your menstrual cycle?Hysterectomy seems a bit extreme. Is this what your doctor is suggesting? Have you discussed any other options with your doctor?
Here are a couple articles to help you advocate for your health and provide some insight: IBS Following Surgery, Alternatives to Hysterectomy, Dysmenorrhea Treatments, and IBS Treatments
Good luck and let us know how you're doing. If you need more information, let us know.
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I have a few more questions for you:
March 1, 2011 - 9:39am- What other treatments have you tried first?
- What tests have been done to check your hormones (have you been tracking your hormonal changes, so you have pinpointed a change or imbalance in hormones are the triggers to worsening IBS symptoms?)
- What symptoms are you experiencing? When you say "terrible cramps" are you referring to menstrual-related cramps (in your uterus, for example), or are you referring to cramping from IBS (more intestinal-type cramping in your GI tract, for example)
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