Menopause can be emotionally challenging for any woman, but at least, most of us have a few years to come to terms with our fertility ending and we adjust in order to cope with the associated symptoms. When menopause is caused by a hysterectomy, the woman has no such luxury. In the operating theater, she goes to sleep with ovaries and uterus intact and wakes up with one or both having been removed. This is a massive adjustment to have to cope with. If both the uterus and the ovaries have been removed, then menopausal symptoms will begin almost immediately.
Should the ovaries remain, the hysterectomy will not cause menopause because the ovaries will still be producing hormones. Although there will be no monthly periods there may be the usual symptoms associated with them. Stomach cramps, stomach bloating and mood changes are all still unfortunately, all possible. This is because the hormones made by the ovaries will cause the body to still produce its monthly cycle.
If the main part of the uterus has been removed but the cervix still remains, it is uncertain whether HRT can be given in the form of estrogen only or estrogen combined with progestogen. The cause of the concern of using estrogen only, is that there may be some of the cells of the uterus lining, which could become thickened from the estrogen. This thickening may be prevented, by adding progestogen. Your doctor will explain the possibilities based on your medical history.
With a hysterectomy menopause, the results include physiological, emotional and psychologcial changes, which is both expected and normal. However, again with proper medical treatment and a strong support system, the lady in question will adjust and go on to live a normal life.
It`s important to women that we know what to expect as menopause approaches, especially if we have had a hysterectomy. The more information we have, the better decisions we can make regarding our well being - not only physically but emotionally.
Take your time and research the procedure carefully - then you will be well prepared to make the right decisions about your own health.
Should the ovaries remain, the hysterectomy will not cause menopause because the ovaries will still be producing hormones. Although there will be no monthly periods there may be the usual symptoms associated with them. Stomach cramps, stomach bloating and mood changes are all still unfortunately, all possible. This is because the hormones made by the ovaries will cause the body to still produce its monthly cycle.
If the main part of the uterus has been removed but the cervix still remains, it is uncertain whether HRT can be given in the form of estrogen only or estrogen combined with progestogen. The cause of the concern of using estrogen only, is that there may be some of the cells of the uterus lining, which could become thickened from the estrogen. This thickening may be prevented, by adding progestogen. Your doctor will explain the possibilities based on your medical history.
With a hysterectomy menopause, the results include physiological, emotional and psychologcial changes, which is both expected and normal. However, again with proper medical treatment and a strong support system, the lady in question will adjust and go on to live a normal life.
It`s important to women that we know what to expect as menopause approaches, especially if we have had a hysterectomy. The more information we have, the better decisions we can make regarding our well being - not only physically but emotionally.
Take your time and research the procedure carefully - then you will be well prepared to make the right decisions about your own health.