A hysterectomy is an unnatural jolt into menopause. It is very different from natural menopause which occurs on its own and at its own pace. Natural menopause slowly reduces the hormone estrogen whereas a hysterectomy, especially one in which the ovaries are removed, curtails estrogen immediately. This is a game changer for women. Let’s learn more about surgical menopause and the importance of hormone replacement therapy after a hysterectomy.
Mood Swings, Hot Flashes, and Sleep Disturbances With Natural Menopause
When the hormone estrogen is reduced slowly during natural menopause, many changes affect a woman as she goes through
perimenopause and then menopause, sometimes over several years.
They include the following:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Low libido
- Incontinence and urinary tract infections
- Decreased bone density and susceptibility to fractures
- Hair loss and dry skin
- Insomnia
Hormone replacement therapy is recognized as the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Hysterectomy
Capital Women’s Care may recommend surgical menopause, or a hysterectomy, for a number of reasons. They can include fibroid symptoms, endometriosis, cancer, uterine prolapse, and heavy painful periods. Each year 600,000 hysterectomies are performed.
A surgical menopause stops estrogen production abruptly, and the resulting symptoms can be quite severe.
The time to discuss hormone replacement therapy with your OBGYN is prior to the surgery. Find out the pros and cons of taking estrogen and how it will affect you.
Your Age Can Be a Benefit
Most women who decide to have a surgical menopause are younger than typical menopausal women. It is actually more risky not to get HRT when you are under age 50 since estrogen helps to protect women from certain diseases like heart disease. Having a hysterectomy before age 45 is linked to risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia whereas HRT prevents this occurrence.
Many fears about HRT arose from a study of older women with the average age of 63. So age is important.
Younger women who went on HRT due to a hysterectomy can make a decision when they are in their 50s whether to remain on it. You and Captial Women’s Care can decide what is best for you.
HRT Can Reduce Symptoms
When nothing else works, HRT can reduce many of the symptoms of menopause.
Other Health Benefits
HRT slows down the development of osteoporosis and increases bone density.
An in-depth conversation with your OBGYN is imperative. We will walk you through any risks you need to know. Ask about bioidentical hormone treatments as an option and if they provide any benefits. HRT is a big decision, and only you in consultation with a doctor can decide what’s right for you.
Contact Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-9101 if you have an upcoming hysterectomy or are experiencing abrupt menopause symptoms after your procedure. Our specialists will walk you through if you are a candidate, along with your personalized benefits and risks, during a consultation at our office in Rockville or Silver Spring, MD.