Menopause

Hi Rach_E. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice as my menopause came about in the normal way once I was in my fifties. You could give the Macmillan Support Helpline a call, freephone no. shown below. I'm sure the nurses will give you some information.

Sending hugs, Barb xx

Hi Rach_E, you have undergone a surgical menopause due to your surgery.  This was similar to what I went through, i.e. a surgical menopause as I hadn't yet reached natural menopause. 

In terms of symptoms I was told by my Macmillan nurse I would experience symptoms straight away however thankfully to date (7 weeks since my surgery) I haven't yet experienced any symptoms.  

Symptoms that many women experience though are hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog (forgetfulness) and inability to concentrate.  I should add this is from what I have read however I'm sure the lovely women on this forum will be able to provide you with their own experiences of what they encountered due to a surgical menopause and whether they experienced it straightaway or weeks or months later. 

Hi Rach_E

I was 38 when i had my surgery so slammed into the surgical menopause straight away. i was burning up all night on the night of the surgery and was a little concerned but the nurses just said " oh you ve had your ovaries out" that was why i was burning up. i think it tends to hit pretty quickly for us who have a hysterectomy at a young age because i suppose the normal menopause comes on gradually as hormones reduce but for us one day they are there the next they are not. one of the best advice i got was to monitor my symptoms and to wear as much cotton as possible as this seems to help and don't feel silly if you are feeling hot one minute and throwing windows open and the next freezing cold. i keep kitchen towel in my room to wipe the sweat from my face etc. and i found this helps to dry myself better when i get the sweats on, and i have tried loads of different deodorants but have found one that seems to work its especially formulated to give extra well maximum protection and it really has helped. i find more natural soaps and shampoo seem to suit my hair better, i find it gets greasy very quickly and i get self conscious of it. my emotions are at times all over place but i am slowly getting some control back after some help from a well being coach and she is also going though the menopause but at least more naturally so she has some understanding of it, so this was a big help. My CNS recommended menopause matters to me, its an online forum but to be honest i have never used it other then reading a few posts which made me realize everything was perfectly normal to experience so not sure if it would help but what i can say is its good to know i can talk about it with people who know just like here. i suffer with concentration and i forget things but i try to keep a planner of sorts to remind me and it certainly reduces the stress.

Sending some gentle bear hugs