Menopause after hysterectomy

[KarenC1508]

Hi

I had a hysterectomy 30 years ago and have now started with hot flushed night sweats migraine insomnia the list goes on.
I foolishly thought after my surgery this wouldn't happen , I'm 53 so would have expected it without the surgery.
I have never had HRT as i suffer migraine does anyone else have experience with this as i feel very confused

Did you keep your ovaries when you had the hysterectomy? If you keep your ovaries, you will go into menopause in the sense of no longer having periods, but your ovaries will continue their monthly cycle of releasing eggs and producing oestrogen, so you won't go into menopause in the hormonal sense. When your ovaries eventually fail, you will go into menopause due to reduced oestrogen in the same way you would have done had you kept your womb.

I had my ovaries removed alongside my hysterectomy, and had the hot flushes start within 24 hours of the operation. I'm still getting them 5 years later, though far less often.

I kept one for about two years then had it removed,

I'd have expected your menopause symptoms to start after your remaining ovary was removed - it seems unlikely that it would be delayed by 28 years. Could there be another cause of the symptoms you're experiencing? Have you spoken to your GP? I would get yourself checked out. If it is menopause-related, your GP may be able to recommend something to help. I can't take HRT either but I take vitamins.

@KarenC1508 You can use HRT if you have migraine. HRT is not like the Pill- it's replacing your own hormones with natural ones, the same as we have anyway. Info on this on The Migraine Trust.

How old are you now?

If you have been without estrogen for 30 years - both ovaries removed- did no doctor tell you to use HRT?

It's putting you at a very high risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and heart disease to lose all your estrogen so young.

It is not almost mandatory to replace that estrogen up to the age of 51-52.

Please see your GP and demand a bone density scan- DEXA- to check your bones. Don't wait until you have a fracture!

Sorry I see you are 53!

Was there a very serious health reason why you had a total hysterectomy in your early 20s?

sorry I was 32 not 22 , brain fog.

I was never advised anything apart from when I asked a few years ago the gp said as I have migraine HRT wasn't suitable.
I have asked for an appointment with my GP to discuss properly as I think it's strange I should suddenly start now.

This might seem a silly question, but are you sure they removed your ovaries too?

Do you mind if I ask why did you need that doing at 32?

I'm only asking because it's never usually done unless for something where estrogen would make the health condition worse (ie cancer) and that may have been why HRT at the time wasn't offered.

Are you seeing a different GP to the one who told you hrt wasn't suitable? If not, you should as they clearly don't know anything about hrt.

Hi

Yes they moved one then the second ovary a couple of years later and it was for health reasons.
It is a new GP this time and I won't be leaving without answers :-)

Well, even 20 years ago @KarenC1508, it would be very unusual to have both ovaries removed at 32 and not be counselled about the effects of menopause and the need to deal with the consequences.

You did in fact have a surgical menopause in your early 30s.

It's odd that you didn't feel any effects of that -but good at the same time!

I hope your GP can shed some light on what went on.