The type of surgical procedure determines what will happen after a woman has a hysterectomy. When the uterus and fallopian tubes are removed, a woman will no longer experience a menstrual cycle, and she will no longer be able to become pregnant. With the removal of the ovaries, the symptoms of menopause can often begin within 1 week.
Symptoms of menopause
Different women experience different symptoms and varying levels of discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleeping problems, fatigue, vaginal dryness, loss of sexual desire, irregular periods, bladder problems, and mood swings.
Symptoms of surgical menopause generally occur within a few days of surgery and are often more frequent, more severe, and longer in duration than symptoms experienced with natural menopause.
Not all hysterectomies trigger surgical menopause
A woman who has had a hysterectomy without the removal of the ovaries may not experience surgical menopause—sudden onset of menopause symptoms. While her menstrual cycle will stop, and she will no longer be able to become pregnant, she could still experience normal ovarian function until the beginning of natural menopause.
Hormone therapy may help
Hormone therapy provides relief to women experiencing natural menopause and may also provide relief of short- and long-term menopause symptoms caused by the surgical removal of 1 or both ovaries.
Talk to your doctor about surgical menopause and how to best manage the symptoms. Most symptoms can be managed effectively with estrogen replacement therapies like EstroGel. |