A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries done on women and is where part or all of the uterus and cervix are removed. Somewhere around 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year. There are many reasons why hysterectomies are performed. They often done when cancer or pre-cancer cells are detected, when endometriosis causes pain and other complications, when uterine fibroids become excessive, and when the uterus prolapses. This procedure is done on women of all ages, including those close to menopause. What many may not know is that a hysterectomy can have some effects on menopause and its symptoms.
Speeds Up Symptoms Of Menopause
One of the main issues with a hysterectomy is that it can speed up the symptoms of menopause. This is especially true if the ovaries are removed in addition to the uterus. Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness may catch many women off guard. The average age of menopause is 51, however many women begin to experience symptoms before reaching their early fifties. Getting a hysterectomy makes these symptoms more likely even if the woman is only in her 30s or 40s. Women who get this procedure done should be on the lookout for symptoms of early menopause.
Can Make Menopause Symptoms Worse
Many women believe that the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix will lead to fewer and less severe menopause symptoms. Unfortunately that is not always the case. When these organs are removed, especially the ovaries, hormones such as estrogen drop quickly. This can lead to an increase in uncomfortable menopause symptoms. Often symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings occur quickly after surgery. Luckily there are a few different ways to treat these symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Treating the symptoms of menopause after a hysterectomy can be tricky. Lifestyle changes, such as a better diet and more exercise, can be very helpful. Another thing that can be very helpful is hormone replacement therapy. This therapy is often necessary in cases where the ovaries are also removed. Women who have not had a hysterectomy often need to take a combination of estrogen and progestin. Women who have had this procedure only require estrogen. If the ovaries are removed, estrogen dips dramatically. In these cases hormone replacement therapy is often highly recommended.
Menopause is something that can create big changes in a woman's life. Having a hysterectomy can make menopause happen a little sooner and make the symptoms more severe. Hormone replacement therapy is a great way to combat these changes. Contact a physician's office, such as Central Iowa OB/Gyn Specialists, PLC, for more information.
Share9 March 2016
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