Removal of ovaries before natural Menopause is associated with reduced white matter in the Brain- What does this mean for me post hysterectomy

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-ovaries-menopause-white-brain.html?deviceType=desktop#:~:text=Women%20who%20have%20their%20ovaries,different%20areas%20of%20the%20brain.

If any of you are like me and have had a full hysterectomy (that means ovaries and uterus are removed) you were plunged in to menopause early. Though not fun it was an important part of my treatment and my choice to have done. I was stuck getting shots in the butt every 28 days exactly!!!!!! I grew tired of tethering my life to treatment any more than it already was revolving around it. So, I chose to remove them and having ER and PR positive cancer (estrogen and progesterone female hormones created in the ovaries and other organs in the body)

This article says,” Women who have their ovaries removed before menopause, particularly before the age of 40, have reduced white matter integrity in multiple regions of the brain later in life. White matter refers to the nerve fibers that connect neurons in different areas of the brain.”

But what does that actually mean?

I had everything removed in 2018 I was 37 at the time. Truth be told my body really took this poorly. I began to spiral and due to the amount of trauma I had already been through my body gave up causing fibromyalgia and nervous system issues from everything I have been though.

One of the worst issues I have been having is brain issues. I even went to cognitive therapy till Aetna stopped covering it for me.

But this study found that the white matter in the woman’s brains was significantly reduced compared to others who had the procedure after their natural change.

Your brain will change naturally over time and white matter tends to reduce over time but forced hormone reduction that happens with cancer treatment can cause serious issues. This can lead to cognitive processing issues or even Alzheimer’s. It is important to see a Neurologist if you feel you have something more than just “chemo brain”.

I went to cognitive therapy and worked on various skills. I as a person with a former IQ of 145 I sailed passed various tests. I failed astronomically in others. I had trouble with finding words waiting for my brain which formerly was lighting quick for over a minute for it to find some words. I also had issues calling things the wrong thing like microwave a refrigerator etc. I was unable to do simple addition and can no longer be responsible for my bills. I am no longer able to track my appointments or medication refills. I was given zero help by my providers for the issues I was having. The hospital system does not even have nurses that can help me with these things. I have thought about leaving many times but it’s the devil you know vs. the devil you don’t. I have PTSD from a sexual assault as well as from all my medical encounters which would make anyone mad and upset.

Anyway, point is if you feel your experiencing something more than chemo brain make sure you see a neurologist! My cognitive therapist said my brain seems to be experiencing a TBI from the 10 types of chemotherapy I have gone through and still do to this day.

I can tell you that doctors will say it’s just chemo brain. I had to fight for 5 years to see the neurologist and I even was forced to diagnosis myself with my dysautonomia and nervous system disorder. More on that stuff later but DO NOT LET A PROVIODER TELL YOU SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT RESONIATE WITH YOU. Meaning if you feel like you need to see a stomach Dr. then don’t let them tell you no. You have to stand up for yourself.