Healthy Life After Surgical Menopause

A Guide to Recovery & Wellness

Did you know that approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States, with many leading to surgical menopause? The journey through surgical menopause is unique for every woman – but you’re not alone! This guide will show you what you need to know about thriving in life after surgical menopause.  

I’m writing this not because I think it’s an interesting subject, but because I AM going through this very phase as I write this.  It has been a significant enough subject that I feel compelled to study and post about it. I’ve often wondered if there really was life after surgical menopause and there is.

Understanding Surgical Menopause: The Basics

Difference between natural and surgical menopause:

Natural menopause is when the ovaries gradually over time produce less and less hormones and surgical menopause is when the ovaries are removed surgically causing menopause to happen instantly.

You can read more about natural menopause here.

Immediate hormonal changes after surgery:

After removal of the ovaries the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly.

Common timeline of physical adjustments:

The most noticeable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can start right away, (for me it was 15 minutes after surgery,) and further changes like vaginal dryness and mood swings could happen over the following weeks and months as the body adapts to the sudden drop in hormones.

Impact on various body systems:

Bone density loss, osteoporosis, heart disease and some research indicates that women may be at risk of developing Alhzeimers as estrogen plays a role in brain health.

Understanding the sudden vs. gradual transition:

Make sure that before you have a hysterectomy with or without ovary removal, (salpingo-oophorectomy,) that you have a real conversation with a physician who knows the effects of surgical menopause and can get you prepared for the next steps. 

Managing Physical Symptoms and Changes

Hot flashes and night sweats:

Hot flashes were one of the symptoms that really affected me negatively.  It’s not easy to work as a manager/leader in your field and have to run away to get water, air, or some form of cooling every half hour or so!

Addressing changes in bone health:

If you’re eligible for HRT, (hormone replacement therapy,) that could help and you also need to ensure that you’re getting the proper amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D. Also, regular weight-bearing exercise, monitoring bone density, and discussing personalized treatment plans with your doctor should be prioritized.

Solutions for vaginal dryness and intimacy wellness: 

There are over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers, prescription vaginal estrogen creams, rings, or tablets and oral medications like ospemifene. Maybe you can plan out some different intimacy routines in the bedroom so you CAN enjoy your sex life after surgical menopause. Remember to check with your doctor if you cannot take hormones!

Sleep disruption management techniques:

This is a topic that I had a MAJOR problem with long BEFORE I ever had a hysterectomy. I’ll do a full post on just the topic of sleep! Developing a solid bed time routine that you stick to can really, really help, along with the use of over-the-counter natural sleep aids like Melatonin.

Weight management strategies post-surgery:

Again, HRT will be useful IF you’re a candidate for it.  Reducing calories and weight bearing exercises are also going to help.  On a personal note:  I took too much time off and did not get the proper amount of exercise plus I rewarded myself with snacks like a half a jar of peanut butter a day!!  My best advice is to try to be at an ideal weight BEFORE you have surgery.  But again, please talk with your physician before starting any new exercises.

Hormone Therapy Options and Considerations

Types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT):

Depending on the type of hysterectomy you have, you may have estrogen only or a combination of estrogen and progesterone.  There are different forms of HRT which I will expand on later. 

Benefits and potential risks of HRT:

HRT can help with the surgical menopause symptoms if you’re on the right dose, however, they come with risks like blood clots, stroke and certain cancers.

Alternative treatments and natural supplements:

From plant derived estrogens, herbal remedies, vitamin supplements to cognitive behavioral therapy and acupuncture etc,. for symptoms. We’ll go over them all.  

Working with your healthcare provider:

I am huge on advocating for yourself.  I even made a guide about the types of hysterectomies, what they mean. and what to ask your doctor.  I really believe that if you don’t speak up, you could be left behind or fall through the cracks like I did.

Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans:

Nothing is set in stone with surgical menopause! Symptoms can come and go, one day could very well be better than another!  So monitor your situation and change what you need to. Having a plan of action made before hand gives you peace of mind and following it will help you live a better life after surgical menopause!!

Emotional Wellness and Mental Health

Processing the emotional impact of surgical menopause:

The impact of surgical menopause can involve feelings of grief, loss of control, anxiety, depression, and a significant shift in self-perception, primarily due to the sudden hormonal changes and the associated loss of fertility. These feelings can be made worse by having a cancer diagnosis. It’s so important to have a support system in place BEFORE you have this surgery.

Strategies for mood management:

Sticking to a healthy diet with a lot less sugar and getting an adequate amount of exercise can work wonders.  You may need an antidepressant and that’s ok!  I take one myself and it helps my hot flashes too!  These are just two examples but there are many more that I’ll cover in this blog.

Building a support system:

Make sure that the people in your life know how you feel and what you’re going through!  I’m lucky in that my husband is super supportive!  Teach those close to you what you’re actually feeling and what they can do to help even if it’s only listening!

Maintaining relationships and intimacy:

This has been tough for me.  I’m unable to work so that really affected me.  Don’t hole up in your house!  It’s tempting to just hide out when you’re feeling bad but it’s not helpful.  We all need friends and support and you can even do a counseling session over a Zoom call!

Self-identity and body image adaptation:

This can be a tough subject as well because your body composition changes during surgical menopause.  This is where the exercise comes in. Even if it’s just walking, it’s going to be a lot easier to maintain weight than it is to lose it. I sat around too much after my surgeries and I did not eat the proper foods, so now I’m a bit over weight and losing it has not been easy!

Lifestyle Modifications for Optimal Health

Nutrition guidelines and dietary recommendations:

Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and adequate calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, while limiting processed foods, added sugar, saturated fat, and excessive sodium. Personally, my husband and I can’t even remember when we last ate out and we don’t miss it a bit!  Besides, It’s too expensive anyways. Honestly, you’re so much better off making simple, healthy meals and eating at home!

Exercise and physical activity adaptations:

Another under-studied subject is that by exercising, you will be in better health and that in turn will have a positive effect on your well being which will actually help your symptoms. This cycle will keep going as long as you really try to incorporate a healthier lifestyle. It’s a win-win!

Stress management techniques:

Stress produces cortisol and we all know what that does!  There are many, many ways to cope with stress and you need to pick the right things for you!  The key to dealing with stress, I think, is preventing it.  If you think about things that you KNOW are going to be a problem, think of a solution ahead of time.  This saved me from a lot of anticipatory anxiety!

Sleep hygiene practices:

I’ve suffered from insomnia for most of my life until I found a doctor that understood.  I had psycho-physiological conditioned insomnia from the domestic abuse I witnessed as a child.  These days I practice a plethora of bedtime habits and they all work together and I sleep fairly well now, even in life after surgical menopause. 

Preventive health measures:

What I can tell you from a lot of experience is that BEFORE you have your ovaries removed, consult with a menopause trained physician and try to be in the best physical condition possible.  When you recover, be sure to start exercising as soon as you are released to do so from your doctor.  If you can adapt these healthy habits early on in life, they will serve you well!

Long-term Health Considerations

Cardiovascular and bone health maintenance:

Women who go into surgical menopause early have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease than those who are older. Therefore, keep yourself as healthy as possible by having your blood pressure checked and having your cholesterol measured. If there are any numbers in the bad range, treat accordingly.

Managing other health conditions:

In my experience, existing issues that I had before were made worse by surgical menopause. I’ve had shoulder pain for quite a long time and it got much worse after the hysterectomy. Then I was taking blood pressure medication to possibly help with hot flashes and fell twice at work. This led to a pinched nerve in my neck and I don’t know if you’ve ever had that but I must say, that it was one of the most painful things I’ve ever been through.

Building Your Support System

Finding the right healthcare team:

Like I’ve mentioned above, if you are able to find a doctor who is trained in menopause, that would be the best! I didn’t have that option and the doctors that I did have gave me one piece of advice: “lube, lube, lube” “lube, lube, lube” “lube, lube, lube.” That’s it. Not why to lube, not what happens and why everything dries up. Thanks doc, I appreciate that.

Online resources and communities:

There are a lot more resources now than ever before about surgical menopause. There is still much to be learned and that’s why I’ve created this blog. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use it as a resource. You can also go here https://www.balance-menopause.com/ and here https://www.basser.org/

Professional counseling options:

Some women may need to see a counselor during this time, especially with a cancer diagnosis, like me or a young woman who hasn’t had children yet. I really haven’t had a problem as feeling that my femininity is gone. I don’t have children and that is by choice. My biological clock was broken or something. Seeing a counselor can be so beneficial because you’re getting that neutral point of view and they can tailor your treatment to what YOU need, specifically.

Conclusion:

Living your best life after surgical menopause is absolutely possible! While the journey may seem challenging at first, with the right support, information, and tools, you can navigate this transition successfully. Remember to be patient with yourself, stay connected with your healthcare team, and focus on both your physical and emotional well-being. Schedule a comprehensive check-up with a menopause trained provider.