Menopause After Hysterectomy – What happens to your hormones after a hysterectomy? Let’s talk about surgical menopause. Every woman goes through menopause. But some go through it earlier because of a hysterectomy. So, what is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation in which a woman’s uterus is removed because of either fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, or cancer. Whatever the reason for having your uterus removed, your hormones will be affected.
Yes, even if your ovaries are left intact. Why? Because of the shock of the surgery on your body, the temporary interruption of the blood flow to the ovaries, and because your uterus is part of the hormonal communication between your brain and your ovaries.
Your hypothalamus perceives all surgeries as a shock to your system, hormonally. But, removing your reproductive organs are particularly disruptive to your hormones, especially your sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. And studies show that women who undergo a hysterectomy will go through on menopause, on average, five years earlier, than if they did not have their uterus surgically removed.
Hysterectomies are performed at any age, and sometimes women will go through surgical menopause. You definitely will if your ovaries are removed, even very young women, but especially women in premenopause.
Between your late thirties and your late forties your ovaries are already producing less and less hormones. The shock of losing your uterus can put you into a surgical menopause and that’s a hard shock on your body. Immediate hot flashes, night sweats, you have trouble falling asleep and when you finally do, you wake up between 2:00 and 4:00 o’clock in the morning, anxious, heart palpitating, drenched to the skin, you’re moody, irritable, depressed, your brain is in a fog, you can’t focus, you can’t concentrate, you’re forgetful, surgical menopause is no laughing matter.
So, what can you do about it? Well, if you are considering a hysterectomy, for whatever reason, you should have a frank conversation with your doctor about providing you with hormonal therapy immediately after the surgery.
And, if you’ve already had a hysterectomy, and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s not too late to start hormone replacement therapy, preferably bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. And if there are contraindications to hormone therapy, like you have ovarian or breast cancer, then consider supporting your hypothalamus nutritionally to help ease your symptoms and prevent you from aging rapidly. And, even if you do decide to use hormone replacement therapy, supporting your hypothalamus will really help. The rest of your hormones will be in better balance, your adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, as well as your brain and your immune system.
You’ll survive your surgical menopause.
Your hypothalamus controls all of your hormones, your neurotransmitters, and your immune system. When you go through surgical menopause so drastically, your hypothalamus becomes really out of balance, and that imbalances your entire biochemical message system. So, you’re tired all the time, you gain weight, your skin sags, your vagina dries out, you age rapidly, and your risk of inflammatory diseases, like arthritis, and heart disease increases all before your time. If only your uterus was removed, and not your ovaries, supporting your hypothalamus as soon as possible will help your ovaries wake up. Your natural hormonal balance will recover sooner, and you can prevent rapid aging.
What is Menopause and When Does It Happen?
There is no one answer to this question as there are many different types of Menopause. However, most menopause happens at around the time that women generally reach their late 50. Menopause is the sudden cessation of menstruation. It can happen at any time, but typically around the age of 50. Menopause can cause significant changes in a woman’s body, including :
- Changes to the hormones estrogen and testosterone. These hormones help keep a woman’s bodyplane healthy and functioning properly. When these levels decrease, there is an increase in cancer risk.
- Changes to the skin. The skin is one of the most sensitive parts of a woman’s body, and when there are changes to the hormone levels in the skin, it can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
- Changes to mood. Menopause can lead to changes in mood that can affect everything from business productivity to social life.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
The most important thing to remember is that these symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman and can last for up to 12 months. If you experience any of the following symptoms within six months of reaching menopause, please consult your doctor: hot flashes, night sweats, changes in mood, or problems with sexual function.
There are a variety of symptoms that can occur during the menopausal transition, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and anxiety. Many women find that they experience these symptoms during their final years in their reproductive years. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and take steps to prevent them from becoming a problem.
Now, what if you went through a surgical menopause really, really a long time ago, years ago, it’s never too late to support your hypothalamus.
You won’t salvage your ovaries, but you may salvage your adrenals, your brain, and your health. I know your particular case may be different, so why don’t you join me in our hormone support group? You can access that by signing up for the Hormone Reboot Training, and let’s discuss what would be the best for you. Plus, you’ll learn the best ways to support your hypothalamus and balance your hormones naturally.
And, you’ll get the support you need from other women going through similar hormonal transitions. You’re not alone. We’ve got you. The symptoms of surgical menopause are no different than natural menopause, but they can be much worse. Going from your normal hormone production one day to nothing after surgery can wreak havoc on your health, physically and mentally.