The symptoms of menopause can still occur even if you've had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Since the ovaries are usually left intact during a hysterectomy, they will still eventually decrease their estrogen production as you approach menopause.
Some key signs that you may be entering menopause after a hysterectomy include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of intense body heat, flushing, and sweating are classic menopause symptoms. Hot flashes result from decreasing estrogen.
- Vaginal dryness - Lower estrogen causes thinner, drier vaginal tissues. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and irritation during sexual activity.
- Insomnia - Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Many women have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Mood changes - Irritability, anxiety, sadness, and mood swings are common during the menopause transition as hormones shift.
- Loss of libido - Lower estrogen levels can result in decreased sex drive for many women.
- Hair and skin changes - Estrogen helps keep hair and skin healthy. Lower levels can cause thinning hair/hair loss and dry, itchy skin.
When to See Your Doctor
If you've had a hysterectomy and begin experiencing menopause symptoms, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can:
- Confirm if you are in perimenopause or menopause through a physical exam and discussion of your symptoms
- Check hormone levels through blood tests if needed
- Discuss treatment options to relieve bothersome symptoms
Treatment Options
A variety of treatments are available to provide relief if you develop menopause symptoms after a hysterectomy:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen therapy (with or without progesterone) can effectively treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms. Systemic hormone therapy comes as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, and creams/vaginal rings. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is also an option to help vaginal tissues specifically.
- Lifestyle changes - Simple changes like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, lowering room temperature, practicing stress reduction, staying active, etc. can ease some symptoms.
- Other medications/supplements - Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, supplements like flaxseed or black cohosh, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, etc. may provide relief for some women.
The professionals at
Renewed Balance Clinic specialize in treating menopause symptoms through customized
hormone balancing programs. With convenient locations across the city, their caring doctors and nurse practitioners take time to understand your unique symptoms and health history. Using advanced testing, they prescribe
bioidentical hormone therapy including estrogen,
testosterone, progesterone tailored to your needs, along with nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. Renewed Balance Clinic can expertly guide you through menopause after hysterectomy for a smoother transition. Contact them today to schedule your consultation.
When Menopause Occurs After Hysterectomy
Unlike natural menopause which is a gradual process, surgical menopause after hysterectomy can happen suddenly. Here's an overview:
- If your ovaries remain after hysterectomy, you will eventually reach menopause at the average age of 51 years old
- If your ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, it triggers immediate menopause no matter your age
So if you retain one or both ovaries, they can continue producing hormones for a period of time. But the blood flow and anatomy changes from hysterectomy may cause earlier menopause. If both ovaries go, you are thrust into "surgical menopause” leading to more abrupt hormone shifts.
Either way, the
symptoms and treatments for relieving discomfort are essentially the same whether menopause happens naturally or after hysterectomy. Being aware of menopause signs, getting medical care, and using therapies like hormone therapy or lifestyle approaches can help you manage. Renewed Balance Clinic offers comprehensive solutions to guide women through healthy, balanced transitions even after the uterus is gone. Contact them today for a caring, skilled approach to your hormone health.
