Surgical menopause

Hi Violet41

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

I hope that your hysterectomy goes well. I had my hysterectomy in 2022 for endometrial cancer. Although it is a big thing to go through, I did find the surgery fairly straightforward and I recovered well from it. 

Although I am older than you, I did ask about HRT but was told that it was not suitable as my cancer was a hormone positive one. I was told that there were potentially some other options though if I did have troubling symptoms. So if you do get more severe symptoms- there are things that can help. There are for eg; non hormonal vaginal moisturisers that can be prescribed. 

We do sometimes have younger ladies in the Womb group who have been through a surgical menopause so it may be worth having a look at some of their previous posts.

It is also well worth having a chat with your own CNS as I have found mine really supportive for any worries. 

We do have an Ask the Expert section where you could ask one of the nurses about surgical menopause.

(+) Ask a Nurse | Get answers about cancer | Macmillan Online Community

I wish you well for your surgery and if there is anything you need, please do ask.

Jane

Hi Violet,

I'm 45 and having surgery on Monday so can't give you any advice sorry, but I just wanted to say that I hope all has gone well with your surgery, you've had a positive outcome and have a speedy recovery.

Hopeful x 

Hi violet sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have very recently (3 weeks) had total hysterectomy along with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy during removal of ovarian tumour. Although I am a little older (46) I was not even in perimenopause and so the prospect of surgical menopause was one that really concerned me as I had no idea really what to expect. I too cannot have HRT, however my CNS did provide some really useful information on diet and advice for managing the symptoms. Personally the initial symptoms were very severe night sweats and I was having what I would say were very extreme mood swings and outbursts. 

for the night sweats I have now completely given up caffeine which seems to have helped, I also sleep in s light cotton nightie - this has helped as when I was waking my sheets were absolutly soaked and then I couldn’t get back to sleep as I was freezing! The cotton nightie helped soak this up so when I woke I could then whip this off and the bedding wasn’t too bad so was easier to get back to sleep!

I’ll be honest the first two weeks were pretty extreme but I have found things have settled a little particularly with my emotions as I think so much is also fueled by post surgery exhaustion and then lack of sleep!  but you will find your own slight changes and adjustments that will help you manage the symptoms and you will also be surprised how quickly you adjust to being able to manage them.

I wish you every luck with your recovery and sending lots of positive thoughts x

Hi Rachyf,

Can I ask how quickly the symptoms started?

I'll be having my op in the morning and will be in hospital until at least Saturday. Did you start having symptoms in hospital?

Thanks x

Thank you for sharing this, Rachyf. It was really informative. 

Update 

Just wanted to add an update as some people may find it helpful. I am now 12 days post-op. I have been discharged on day 9 post-op, so I am recovering at home. I also have an ileostomy. I didn't notice any hot flushes yet, but I do have a bit of cold sweat at night. So far nothing major that I would have to change linen or nightclothes, but noticeable to me. I didn't notice major changes in mood. Obviously, these are still early days and I may get hit by a multitude of symptoms later on, but this is how I find things right now.

Hi hopeful

first off wishing you lots of luck for your surgery tomorrow. I first had the night sweats about 2 or 3 nights after I got home, I didn’t really notice them in hospital. With regard to mood ‘ emotions I do think this was much more linked to surgery and exhaustion personally as now nearly 4 weeks in I’m managing my moods better with more quality sleep. It’s a long road though and I am aware that it’s still early days. 

all the very best for your recovery x

Hi Violet41 

I noticed in your post that you’ve had an ileostomy formed, so just wanted to let you know that we have a support group for all things stoma related you might want to take a look at and join if you have any questions about this aspect of your surgery.

Stoma Discussion Forum

In this group we talk about living with the different types of stomas (I have a permanent colostomy and urostomy) and there is lots of advice and tips you may find helpful, including discussions stoma reversal if this is something which might be in your future. 

I hope your recovery continues to go well-take it easy and take care.

Sarah xx

Hello, 

I had endometrial cancer back in 2022 And needed a full hysterectomy, Removal of my fallopian tubes, Ovaries and cervix. So I went into full menopause at 34! Even though my cancer was a hormonal one due to my age and the risks of me not having any hormones I was put on oestrogen only HRT patches. To be honest, the menopause is actually been fine and I also got some little HRT pills that help with any dryness. I also do not have children. 

good luck and I hope everything goes well x