Cancer Research UK main site

Ovary removal - what side effects can I expect?

Lizzy.flg
Offline

After suffering with horrendous side effects after taking tamoxifen for just 6 months my consultant has agreed to take me off it & he's recommending removing  my ovaries to reduce the risk of my oestrogen typical breast cancer returning in the future as I'm premenapausal and can't yet take the other medications available to post menapausal women.

Is there anyone this has happened to ? my consultant says he personally has never recommended this form of treatment before in all his years in breast care, but feels it will be a solution for me. 

is there anyone who can tell me what side effects having ovaries removed causes, as I'm sure it's not symptom free either ? 

  • Hi Lizzy.flg

    I'm sorry to hear that you're facing some difficult choices at the moment. I can see from another post that you've recently spoken with the Consultant who has gone through some options with you and now you're waiting to speak with the Oncologist and Gynaecologist. 

    Having your ovaries removed will mean that you will go into menopause and have some of the issues that come along with that. Having had hormone receptive cancer you may find that your options are limited for being able to manage some of those issues as well. 

    It sounds like you find yourself between a rock and a hard place and I hope that after you've spoken with the other specialists that you feel more confident in whatever choice you do make. If you'd like to talk things through with one of our team of nurses you're most welcome to speak to them. I'm sure they would be very happy to offer any advice, information and support that they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.