my Surgical Menopause Blog: What To Expect From Me

Navigating surgical menopause with courage and grace isn’t the easiest thing to do. This blog was born out of my frustration about it.

Did you know that only about 20% of doctors are trained about menopause in general and that even includes gynecologists!  Wow!!

First things first – let me be crystal clear: I’m not a doctor, nurse, or any kind of health professional, however sometimes I think that I missed my calling as I’m fascinated with the medical industry as a whole. I’m just a woman who is currently in this situation and has been for the last five years.  

Why I Started This Blog

About five years ago, I found myself needing a hysterectomy because of the growth of several fibroid tumors, increasing frequency of cycles and chronic pelvic pain. I did NOT want to have my ovaries removed because I didn’t want to go into menopause after a hysterectomy. 

I had no medical or family history that would put me at an increased risk for breast cancer or ovarian cancer.  I had heard a little bit about premature surgical menopause and wanted no part of it.

Right after surgery, my doctor told me that they found something, but to be honest, I was so out of it, I don’t really remember anything else and nothing further was mentioned. 

It was at my post-op appointment that I was diagnosed with LGESS, (low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma.)  I was further told that I would need another surgery as soon as possible to remove my ovaries because LGESS was an estrogen driven cancer.

So four weeks later I was in surgery again to have a bi-lateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which is  the removal of both ovaries including the fallopian tubes.  I experienced one of the first symptoms, (a hot flash,) in the recovery room and from that point forward it was full on! 

In the months immediately following my second surgery, I experienced a whirlwind of symptoms that were overwhelming and other women around me didn’t seem to understand or believe me.

That’s when I started thinking seriously about my own blog because I couldn’t find a single woman who knew what I was going through. I also wasn’t eligible for hormone replacement therapy so I wasn’t able to get any relief from my symptoms. I felt that I wasn’t taken seriously by my doctors when I would tell them what was going on.

Have YOU ever felt this way??

So, what can you expect from this blog? 

My personal story: I’ll be sharing my own story including how it has affected my marriage, my employment status and more.  I believe that there is strength in numbers knowing you’re not alone in this experience and that can be incredibly comforting and empowering.

Informational Posts: What exactly is surgically induced menopause and how is it different from regular menopause?  I’ll be breaking down topics into easy-to-understand posts. We’ll explore everything from the basics to hormone replacement therapy. 

Symptom Management: Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and the list goes on!   We’ll go over the the common (and not-so-common) symptoms and explore various ways to manage them. From lifestyle changes to medical interventions, we’ll cover it all.

Product Reviews: Here’s where things get really exciting (and potentially helpful). I’ll be reviewing and recommending products that have helped me and other women cope with symptoms. This will include:

•  Cooling products for the inevitable hot flashes
•  Lubricants and moisturizers for vaginal dryness and comfort
•  Supplements for bone health, cognitive health and energy
•  Sleep aids for those restless nights
•  Skincare products for changing skin
•  And much more!

What Is Surgical Menopause?

Surgical menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries are surgically removed, a procedure known as a bilateral oophorectomy. 

Some women have a hysterectomy to prevent a breast cancer risk or to prevent developing ovarian cancer. Some women have a hysterectomy because of endometriosis or dangerous fibroids when all other methods have failed to control them.

Unlike natural menopause, which occurs gradually over several years, surgically induced menopause is immediate and can be quite a shock to the system.

The ovaries are more important than I ever realized.  They’re your body’s primary source of estrogen and progesterone. When they’re removed, your hormone levels drop dramatically, leading to a whole host of symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: I thought I was having hot flashes before my hysterectomy but I was mistaken.  I was peri-menopausal but didn’t realize it and although I was hot and sweating constantly, it wasn’t hot flashes. 

I found later that I suffer from hyper-hydrosis, which just means “excessive sweating.” 

Mood Swings: One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying, and a few minutes later you’re ready to bite someone’s head off.  So far, this hasn’t been too big of a problem for me, thank goodness, but does happen to some women.

Vaginal Dryness: This isn’t just about sex (although that’s certainly affected). Vaginal dryness can lead to discomfort in everyday activities, even walking can be painful for some women!!

Sleep Disturbances: Between night sweats and racing thoughts, if you don’t get the proper amount of sleep during this time in your life, it makes EVERYTHING so much harder!

Weight Gain: Especially around the midsection.  Body composition can change as well with weight shifting from your behind or hips and planting itself in a pouch in front.

Bone Loss: With the drop in estrogen, we’ll have bone loss and as our bones can become more fragile it can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Decreased Libido: Loss of interest in sex is common, but not inevitable! Plus there are things that we can do to help ourselves!

Cognitive Changes: “Brain fog” is real, ladies. You might find yourself forgetting words or losing your train of thought more often. You can visit this link to read more about changes that happen long before menopause, during and after https://www.iapmd.org/surgery

Urinary Issues: From increased frequency to incontinence, your bladder might start misbehaving.

Skin and Hair Changes: Dry, itchy skin and thinning hair can be really aggravating and scary but there are definitely things that can help.

Not every woman experiences all these symptoms, and there are ways to manage them. Which brings me to my next point…

Managing Surgical Menopause: It’s Not All Doom and Gloom

When I first started experiencing these symptoms, I felt overwhelmed. But here’s what I’ve learned, with the right information, support, and resources, it is manageable. Here are some of the strategies we’ll be exploring in depth on this blog:

Lifestyle Changes: From diet modifications to exercise routines, small changes can make a big difference in managing symptoms. I have found this concept so true!

Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, yoga, meditation – we’ll explore various alternative therapies that some women find helpful.

Lubricants and Moisturizers: For those dealing with vaginal dryness, the right products can be life-changing. Trust me on this one!

Cooling Products: From specialized pillows to cooling sprays, there are tons of products out there designed to help with hot flashes. I’ll be reviewing many of them here.

Supplements: Along with maintaining a healthy diet, certain supplements can help support bone health, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegels aren’t just for new moms! They can be incredibly beneficial for women going through this too.

Therapy and Support Groups: Never underestimate the power of talking it out. Whether it’s with a professional therapist or a group of women going through the same thing, finding emotional support is crucial.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: hormone replacement therapy has the potential to significantly impact women’s lives, providing relief from symptoms and promoting long-term health, potentially even reducing the risk of heart disease. However, it remains a topic of debate and suitability varies from person to person.

What’s Next on This Blog?

So, now that you know what this blog is all about, what can you expect in the coming weeks and months?

My Story: I’ll be sharing my personal story, from diagnosis to surgery and the different forks in the road that I experienced, (like cancer), and onto my current status.

Symptoms In-Depth: We’ll take a closer look at each of the common symptoms, with tips for managing them.

Product Reviews: I’ve tried many different items in my quest to stay cool and thank goodness, there are some things that help.

Book Club: There are some great books out there about menopause. We’ll be reading and discussing them together.

Success Stories: I’ll be featuring stories from women who’ve not just survived surgical menopause, but thrived in spite of it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly is surgical menopause?

A: Surgical menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries are surgically removed (a procedure called bilateral oophorectomy), often as part of a total hysterectomy. Unlike natural menopause, which happens gradually, surgically induced menopause is immediate and so are a lot of the symptoms.

Q2: How is surgically induced menopause different from natural menopause?

A: The main difference is the suddenness of onset. Natural menopause occurs gradually over several years, while surgically induced menopause happens immediately after surgery. This sudden change can make symptoms more intense. This can happen at any age, depending on why a woman needs a hysterectomy,  while natural menopause typically occurs around age 51.

Q3: Will I definitely experience all the symptoms you mentioned?

A: Not necessarily. Every woman’s experience is unique. Some women may experience many symptoms, while others may have few. The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary widely.  I was told by my doctor to expect the worst of the symptoms to ease around the 2 year mark.  It was more like 4 years for me personally.  Yay, me!! 

Q4: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) necessary after surgical menopause?

A: HRT is not mandatory, but it’s often recommended, especially for younger women, to help manage symptoms and protect against certain health risks associated with early loss of estrogen. However, the decision to use HRT should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your overall health and personal risk factors.

Q5: Can you really manage symptoms without medication?

A: While medication (including HRT) can be very helpful, many women find relief through lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and over-the-counter products. This blog will explore various management strategies, both medicinal and non-medicinal.

Q6: I’m scheduled for surgery soon. How can I prepare myself for this?

A: Great question! Preparation can make a big difference. Some steps you can take include educating yourself about what to expect, discussing management options with your doctor, setting up a support system, and making lifestyle changes to support your overall health. We’ll definitely be covering this topic in-depth in future posts.

Q7: Will this blog provide medical advice?

A: No, this blog is based on personal experiences and research, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Q10: What if I disagree with something you’ve written?

A: That’s totally okay! Surgically induced menopause affects everyone differently, and there’s often more than one perspective on how to manage it. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.  I believe we can all learn from each other’s experiences and viewpoints.

The only thing that I ask is that you be polite if you do disagree.  There is no reason to be rude to anyone on this blog and I have zero tolerance for bullying or unnecessary rudeness!!  

Let’s Build This Community Together!

This blog isn’t just about me. It’s about all of the women who are experiencing surgical menopause or are soon to be and need more information. 

A Final Note

Before I wrap up this introduction, I want to leave you with this thought: Surgically induced menopause is a major life change, and it can be scary.

But it doesn’t have to define you, and it certainly doesn’t have to defeat you.  This can be the perfect time for a change that you’ve been wanting to make.  

With the right information, support, and attitude, you can navigate this transition and come out stronger on the other side. And that’s exactly what this blog is here to help you do.

Debbie R.

P.S. Don’t forget to bookmark my blog to stay updated on new posts. And if you found this helpful, please share it with any women in your life who might benefit. Remember, we’re all in this together!