Menopause Symptoms After Hysterectomy Explained
Most women don't have to face the transition known as menopause – and its symptoms – until their late ‘40s or early ‘50s. But when a woman has a hysterectomy, menopause symptoms can come on early – and with more severity – than the norm. It is vital that women understand the factors that lead to menopause symptoms after a hysterectomy and communicate with their medical professionals when they have questions or concerns after their surgery.
Why Can Hysterectomy Bring On Menopause Symptoms?
Menopause commences in a woman's body when the ovaries stop working. When a woman has a total hysterectomy – one that includes the removal of her ovaries – menopause will start immediately after her procedure, no matter how old she is when the hysterectomy takes place. In a woman whose ovaries deteriorate gradually, the symptoms might come on slowly, but when a patient has had an oophorectomy (ovary removal), symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings often arrive suddenly. A woman who is having a total hysterectomy should be prepared to explore hormone replacement options that could lessen the severity of their menopause symptoms after hysterectomy.
When Your Ovaries Are Intact, Menopause is Put On Hold
For women who undergo partial hysterectomies excluding the removal of one or both ovaries, early onset of menopause is unlikely to occur, since they continue to produce estrogen. Even though they won't menstruate any more, they will typically enter menopause in the same age range as women who have not had a hysterectomy, although some studies show that those who have undergone partial hysterectomies face menopause about two years earlier than the average for women at large. Of course, not every woman who experiences severe menopause symptoms and some who have a partial hysterectomy might not notice any fluctuations in mood or temperature at all.
One Size Does Not Fit All in Menopause Symptoms and Treatment
Just as no two women are alike, no two journeys into menopause are the same. Some women experience sudden onset of hot flashes or other changes because of a hysterectomy, while others might have the same surgery but with less severe symptoms. Among those who undergo partial procedures, and even among women who never have a hysterectomy, it's difficult to predict when menopause will strike, how it will affect a woman and the severity and duration of any symptoms she does experience. Even those with pronounced symptoms need not compromise their vibrant life, especially with the variety of treatment options available both through physicians and over the counter.
Explore the Best Ways to Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms
For vaginal dryness associated with menopause, Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer is a convenient solution that has helped countless relieved women address the symptoms of vaginal dryness. For hot flashes and other symptoms, menopause hormone therapy often works wonders, and those who prefer a more natural path pursue solutions like changes in diet and exercise routines. No woman is alone who is undergoing menopause - whether early onset after hysterectomy or typical – and a network of other women and medical experts are available for guidance and support.
Have you experienced menopause symptoms after a hysterectomy? How did it affect you? Share with us below.
The Vibrant Voice Ambassador’s mission is to collect interesting stories and useful articles that are relevant for mature women. Our goal is to help you maintain an active lifestyle - to Fifty and Beyond!
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