When both ovaries and the uterus are removed (hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy) prior to menopause the woman goes into what’s termed ‘surgical menopause’. Natural menopause is a gradual process, but surgical menopause is sudden, and some say this causes much more severe symptoms. Symptoms of low estrogen after surgical menopause can be mild or debilitating, and have a serious effect on quality of life. The most common symptoms of low estrogen after surgical menopause are:
Hot flushes
Vaginal dryness
Breast tenderness
Insomnia / trouble sleeping
Aching joints
Fatigue
Depression
Cognitive disfunction
Bone loss / osteoporosis
Urinary tract infections
Cardiovascular disease
There are treatments for these symptoms, various forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women may take estrogen, progestins and testosterone in various doses and preparations and various combinations. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor along with the risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy.
