Surgical menopause

[pleasehelpmewithmydilemma]

I am five days post total hysterectomy and need some advice.

Obviously, my surgery has meant I will now go through the menopause. My surgeon has given me some HRT patches and told me to start on them when I think I need them

But how will I know when I will need them? I’m sat recuperating at home waiting for ‘something’ to happen to indicate it has started. So far, nothing.

Should it happen straight away? Or slowly? Am I silly to expect the ‘M-bomb’ to just hit me? Should I be starting the HRT immediately, despite feeling nothing?

Can anyone help please?

How old are you? Reason is, if you are under 45 you need to use them regardless of symptoms or no symptoms, for bone & heart protection up to around age 51..

If you are over 50 you might not get any symptoms at all, or more likely they will kick in in weeks or months- no one can tell you.

Be aware that hot flushes and sweats are one part of menopause but more serious and longer term issues are pelvic floor health, urogenital issues, ( vaginal and bladder issues) and loss of bone.

These can take a few years to kick in sometimes and lots of women don't relate them to menopause / loss of estrogen, so prevention is better than cure.

Extreme night sweats kicked in for me from about day 5. So much so that I had to ask for a higher get dose.

Hrt dose.

How are you getting on pleasehelpmewithmydilemma? I will be having this surgery in a few months time.. I hope you are recovering well

Hi

I’m nearly a week in now and doing okay. I’m still struggling with bloating and toilet issues. But I am sleeping well and not really in any pain.

I haven’t ventured out of the house yet but plan on going out tomorrow with my DH.

I have yet to experience any menopause symptoms. I emailed my consultant who said that I only need to start on the HRT if I start ‘feeling’ anything and we’d discuss it more at my 6 week check.

So, so far so good. I’ve not got much of an appetite but I’m glad about that. I’ve had lots of lovely visitors bringing lots of lovely gifts. I feel like a real fraud, but as I keep being told (by my DM especially), this is ‘major’.

This is a major op and you are no fraud! You deserve all of the lovely gifts
I hope the bloating and toilet issues resolve soon- maybe painkillers and lack of appetite are not helping to get things moving so to speak.
It's encouraging to hear that, so far, you haven't experienced any unpleasant symptoms re menopause. I hope this continues for you. I'm imagining all sorts to be honest.
Have a lovely day out with your DH tomorrow! I hope the sun will be shining where you are.

Day 11 now and whilst the physical pain is lessening, I am a blubbering mess . My DH is my comfort blanket but he’s been on shift, so I find myself clinging to him, sobbing, when he gets in. I really need to get a grip!!

I’ve been out for a proper car ride today and coped okay. I’m tired now but not in too much pain.

Onwards and upwards

pleasehelpmewithmydilemma you have been through a big operation which has caused your body to enter surgical menopause. I imagine it's completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions, particularly the crying and sadness. Your body has been through so much both physically and emotionally, be kind to yourself. This is such early days. Are you sleeping ok?

My surgeon inserted an oestrogen implant during surgery and what a difference that made to my life!
I am still having one every six months (been 30 years now ) and am never coming off them.
My advice would be to try the patches now and feel the difference.
The main benefit will be in the future when you have avoided VA, osteoporosis, dryness, lack of libido etc and are looking 10 years younger than you peers.