kath
I assume that when you say you are thinking about a "full hysterectomy" you mean removing the ovaries as well as the uterous. I had that sugery at 42. Unlike you I had no children, am not a smoker, and have no family history of cancer. I had mine because I had not stopped bleeding for years, had ovarian cysts, polyps, and, my hormone levels were always unsteady causing a leutal (sp?) causing infertility. I had alsolearned, from my fertility treatments, that progesterone created a chemical depression. The progesterone problem was significant because I intended on taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which usually consists of both estrogen and progesterone. If you have a uterous you can not take estrogen without progestrone because it will cause cancer. If I had my uterous removed I could take the estrogen alone. I got several medical opinions regarding my decision to have my ovaries removed at the same time as my uterous. In the end it was my decision - although all the doctors leaned in that direction, anyway. The surgery was a breeze. I felt silly staying home from work for 6 weeks because I felt GREAT. For the first several years I was certain that it was the best decision I ever made! I took hormone replacement therapy so I did not suffer any menapausal discomfort and, for once, I did not have to worry about spotting everything I wore. I had more energy and my moods were more regular. After 6 years now, I am not quite as sure of my decision. My husband and I have noticed that my body changed shape after the surgery. I no longer have the tiny little waist I used to have - and I am having more difficulty keeping my weight under control all over my body. Even when I diet - I lose weight in different areas. I realize that these changes come with age anyway, but I feel that it has accelerated the process. I am also not sure I really like the idea of taking the estrogen for all these years. I am currently awaiting the result of a breast biopsy. While I am assuming that everything is okay - it has made me think about the breast cancer risk associated with estrogen treatments. If I have to stop taking the estrogen - I am quite certain that I will not feel as good as I do now. So - bottom line - the "total hysterectomy," for me, has been great because the hormone replacement therapy has made it easy. If I had opted from the beginning to skip the hormone replacement therapy - I might not have been so happy about it. Sometimes I wish I had left my ovaries in. I wish you luck in your decision. If I was at great risk of cancer I think I would jump at the idea of having the operation. But I would also quit smoking if I were you. Good luck to you!