Does Menopause Occur After Hysterectomy?

What is the connection between hysterectomy and menopause? Statistics suggests about one in three women can expect an early menopause following an hysterectomy while overall, the odds suggest it can come on up to five years earlier than normal.

Hysterectomy is the removal of the woman's uterus. Women have the option of full or partial hysterectomy. The full version which is the most common, will include the removal of the uterus and the cervix while a partial procedure will involve the removal of the uterus but not the cervix.

When both the ovaries are removed in women at the pre-menopausal stage, then it's likely to induce the onset of early menopause. Symptoms such as hot flashes may be experienced following the procedure. Other common symptoms such as vaginal dryness and insomnia can occur and generally, they are much stronger than they normally would be during the natural process of menopause.

When either one or both of the ovaries are left intact then hormone production is still possible. While menstruation ceases following a hysterectomy, hormones can still be produced by the ovaries until menopause becomes a factor.

Why Hysterectomy?

There are several reasons why women need to undergo full or partial hysterectomy. These are just some:

- fibroids
- endometriosis
- uncontrolled periods
- problems with the uterus, cervix and ovaries such as malignant issues

Weight Gain

While menopause doesn't contribute to weight gain in most cases, the chances of gaining weight following hysterectomy are high. One of the reasons is because of the recovery period involved. Total recovery can take up to six months and by continuing to eat normally without the associated exercise, restricted because of recovery following surgical procedure, weight gain is common.

HRT Treatment

Every woman's situation should be assessed individually. Symptoms due to the deficiency of estrogen are common in women who have their ovaries removed. This can occur as quickly as a few days following the operation and bring on typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. This is the time to discuss HRT treatment with your doctor.

Several factors will determine whether the treatment may be suitable however, because of estrogen deficiency, the risk of osteoporosis is enhanced, particularly for women in the forties. Your doctor will determine what course of treatment to pursue. Estrogen treatment can be given in several forms with the most common being via tablets.

Estrogen taken orally can have the side effect of causing the retention of salt which in turn leads to fluid storage thus also contributing to possible weight gain.

HRT treatment following menopause after hysterectomy can continue for several years, particularly if a woman begins treatment in her early to mid forties. However, it's rare that this treatment will continue past the age of 50 unless recommended by a medical physician in cooperation with the patient.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. There is a correlation between hysterectomy and menopause. Will it affect you? Get the latest as we explain the connection. Plus, read the latest menopause related news and reviews at:http://www.infomenopause.com

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