Surgically induced menopause

[Ostagazuzulum]

Next year I'm due to have my ovaries removed as I have a hereditary gene mutation which puts me at increased risk of cancer. I'm only in my mid thirties but I have my family and don't want any more children so in this respect I'm ok with what will happen. However I know that it will bring on the menopause. I've done lots of research on,one and it seems to be that surgically induced menopause has more severe symptoms than natural menopause because of sudden hormone withdrawal (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong though). There isn't a huge amount of relevant stuff on the internet and I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience of this? Also whether there is anything I can do to prepare myself. I've read all the normal stuff like being mentally prepared and in best health possible, but I mean things like taking any supplements beforehand etc. As silly as it sounds with all the stuff I'm going through right now, I'm scared about the effect it will have on my physical appearance. I know it sounds vain and silly but I have some real issues in this respect and am worried that it will impact on my emotional and mental health on top of everything else if that makes sense?

sorry about your diagnosis and the planned surgery.

You need to work alongside a good specialist.

You'll need full HRT up to age of normal menopause anyway- 52. You might need testosterone too.

Have a read of the website of Dr Louise Newson - you have to search the site but there is stuff there on surgical menopause.www.menopausedoctor.co.uk

I'm in the same boat Ostagazuzulum I'm mid 30s & also need this op within the next couple of years. I've had both fallopian tubes removed already, like you I have my family so the loss of fertility is a positive side effect.
Are you able to take HRT? My consultant says I can start 6 weeks post op. I'm terrified of those 6 weeks & what's to come if I'm honest. She said she wants a low dose HRT only. Whereas I want maximum everything to get me through it all!
The physical changes are understandably a worry, I feel the same. Also wondering how sex life will be affected but these are the questions I feel uncomfortable asking..I have read ALOT, possibly too much.
I'm looking for reassurance that I won't find because nobody can tell me how I'm going to react to the surgery.
I just wanted to reply because I understand what you're going through, unfortunately I can't answer about supplements etc I would like to know about that myself.
Wishing you well

OP, have you joined the menopausematters.co.uk form? There is loads of advice and other people’s experiences on there. You can ask about supplements etc.

I would say the best thing you can do is to understand what exactly happens and how it impacts on you. The worst thing is when something happens to us and we don’t understand why and this increases anxiety.

Hope it all goes well for you.

She said she wants a low dose HRT only. Whereas I want maximum everything to get me through it all!

Many women begin HRT immediately.

You need the right dose to control your symptoms and protect your bones. There is no benefit for young women like you being on a 'low dose'- you need to replace what you'd have.

Don't know the reasons for your op obviously and if it's to do with cancer, that may be a different matter.

queenofthenights I know some women start HRR immediately which is why I'm confused about the 6 week wait..I think she may have mentioned increased risk of blood clots..
I had a borderline tumor on my ovary 11 years ago. Had it removed & all fine since. At the time I was told in 10 years time we will want to do full hysterectomy, to preserve fertility due to my age.
All fine since.
I asked about the oestrogen implant at my last appointment & I was told that gave too much oestrogen? My consultant is an oncologist gynaecologist so I feel her main concern is eliminating all possible risk,with lesser concern for the aftermath.

I think I'd find another dr to be honest!
It all sounds pretty crap sort of approach from my understanding.

You don't have to have a hysterectomy if you have had no further issues. Your tumour was borderline not cancerous.

If you have no uterus after surgery you only need estrogen- using gel or patches- the transdermal type- there is no added risk of clots. This is very basic info on HRT and it's quite shocking she doesn't know that tbh.

It's in the NICE guidelines for a start but it such basic stuff I can't understand why she doesn't know that.

TBH and this is just my view, in your shoes I'd stop the planned op and find a different gynae. (I am fortunate to have private insurance and when I needed a gynae I shopped around and found one of the best. )

I can't see why you need such drastic intervention when you didn't in fact have ovarian cancer. Might be worth talking to Overcome the charity who helps women with OC for their take on it all.

Another view- she may have meant the risk of increased blood clots POST surgery when DVT can be a risk for any kind of pelvic surgery, but again, this does not apply as far as I know to transdermal HRT.