Surgical Menopause--
Why Symptoms Can Be Severe
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 than usual, due to surgery
and/or illness.
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.
Before your hysterectomy
surgery, it is a good idea
to request a hormonal blood work-up
(or saliva test panel) before the
hysterectomy. This will assist you and your
medical caregiver in tweaking the amounts
of types of natural
hormones. You will be able to
look back at those tests and see what the
levels were before the surgery, and work
towards achieving similar 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.
Read
More About Surgical Menopause
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.
|
