menopause or not?

[tlcindiana]

I had a total hysterectomy two weeks ago.  The surgery seemed to go quite well and I am up and about now.  I am 44 years old and I just started feeling very sad.  I also get really warm sometimes but I've been told if you're haing hot flashes you'd know it...they don't seem that bad only it is a bit uncomfortable.  How soon after hysterectomy could I start feeling menopausal symptoms.   Another thing, I don't plan on taking any estrogen due to my mother having breast cancer when she was going through menopause.  Any advice or knowledge would be appreciated.  Thanks.  tlcindiana  

[bev62]

I am 46 and I also had a total hysterectomy two years ago.  I started having menopausal symptoms about three weeks later.  I am on bio-idenical hormones and they are working wonderfully.  I was determined not to use regular hrt.  A local pharmacy specializes in this field, they have a doctor that does a saliva test to determine what you need and how much. They then compound the perfect dose and combination of meds needed.  I'm on   bio-identical estrogen, progestorone and testostrone. I started out by reading Suzane Summers book on bio-identical hormones, it was very helpful.

[Twilight_Princess]

I had a total hysterectomy last February and yes I went into immediate menopause. I had my first hot flash the night of the surgery in the hospital. It felt a bit weird, but it wasn't all that bad. I too get warm at times. Also one minute I'm freezing and then the next I feel like I want to rip off my clothes. I guess this is normal. I too chose not to take any hormone replacement.

[florencepg]

hi, does your hystorectomy include removal of the ovary?  If your ovary is intact, it means that it can still produce hormone like oestrogen and the decline towards menopausal year might give you symptoms like hot flashes etc.  As long as ovary exists, woman will still feel the hormone fluctuation ( read from books) and hence menopausal symptoms.

Cheer up, control your feelings, look to your loved ones and cherish every blessings in life.....   God bless!

[Bon-Bon]

Hi tlcindiana.  :  )

I know someone personally that had a hystorectomy.  The doctor told her that the hystorectomy will place her into "IMMEDIATE" menopause.  Due to her young age ( 38 )she will need to take the appropriate hormonal meds that he prescribes her.  

She felt the sadness and symptoms you are experiencing too.  

Ask your doctor if your "total hystorectomy" has placed you in immediate menopause.  I believe you will be surprised at the answer.

[Wesson30]

I havdn't done a hysterectomy yet but I plan to get an ebook that I'm told has lots of answers:  The woried woman's guide to a happy hysterectomy.  This is at happyhysterectomy.com
You should talk to your doctor as soon as you can about mood enhancing medication and hormone therapy that's appropriate for you.  There will be a combination of treatments that can give you the relief you need.  Good luck!