Surgical Menopause and Why It Can Be Extreme

It is inevitable. A natural part of every woman's life is the eventual transition into menopause. Even years before the last menstrual period, one can experience signs of menopause, called perimenopause.But apart from the natural menopause transition (perimenopause to postmenopause) that most women will experience, some will face a few more challenges.

Premature Ovarian Failure
The average age for women to reach natural menopause, is around age 45-50. Some however, go through menopause in their 40s or even earlier. For most of them, diagnosis of Premature Menopause or Premature Ovarian Failure is a rather shocking experience. Many younger women with POF haven't had the chance to make up their mind about having children and learn that it is now too late.

Surgical menopause, also called medical menopause, happens when the ovaries are removed before the natural menopause, causing a sudden drop of the ovarian hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). After surgical menopause, symptoms may start very quickly, and quite often they are intense. Women who have a total abdominal hysterectomy (ovaries and uterus removed) will experience the most significant, life-altering symptoms, if hormone therapy intervention does not begin at once.

The reason for severity of symptoms with surgical menopause? There are a multitude of theories, but common sense says that it's most likely due to the abrupt hormone withdrawal. It can be like hitting a brick wall. Some women report hot flashes and mood problems within days of their surgery; others report that the symptoms appear more gradually. Severe and profound fatigue, along with joint and muscle pain can often begin.

Since the adrenal system steps in to pick up the slack on hormone production, the severity of problems can be directly related to a woman's adrenal health at the time of the surgery. The mainstream medical community, especially in relation to severe menopause symptoms, does not often recognize the issue of adrenal fatigue. However, in my own opinion, and based on my own experiences, this is absolutely a factor in quality of life after surgical menopause.

When faced with surgical menopause, you have a hard decision on your shoulders; especially since the womb and the ovaries - the ability to procreate -- is what makes a woman feel like a woman. Besides, one can never have enough information about the process involved. Doing your own due diligence is always more helpful than taking your doctor's word for it.

Here are some things to consider:
- The younger the woman going through surgery, the more delicate the problems she will be faced with;
- Have a hormonal blood work-up (or saliva test panel) before the hysterectomy; you can always look back at those tests and see what the levels were before the surgery, and try to achieve those levels again.

There is still little information about the long-term affects surgical menopause has, at a younger age, so do your research and stay informed. Scientists are just now finding out how surgical menopause can relate to heart disease, osteoporosis and general health. The symptoms most women will experience are night sweats, insomnia, hair loss, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, bladder infections, weight gain, anger, depression and loss of libido. Some of these side effects can be resolved with herbs and supplements; more severe issues may require medical intervention and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other medical condition. This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor should you have specific health questions or concerns.