Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed, usually by oophorectomy or ovariectomy. This causes an abrupt drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to menopausal symptoms. The body undergoes many changes as it adjusts to the lack of these key hormones.
Some key effects of surgical menopause include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, along with sweating and rapid heartbeat. These can range from mild to severe and last for years.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort - Declining estrogen levels often lead to thinner, drier, and more fragile vaginal tissues. This can cause irritation,pain during intercourse, increased risk of infection, and light bleeding.
- Urinary symptoms - The urethra and bladder can also be affected similarly, resulting in a frequent need to urinate,urinary tract infections, and incontinence.
- Insomnia and night sweats - Hormone changes and hot flashes often disrupt normal sleep, leading to insomnia, restless sleep, and night sweats.
- Emotional changes - Mood swings,Irritability, anxiety, and depression are common with the hormone fluctuations.
- Bone loss - Estrogen plays a key role in bone health. Rapid bone mineral density loss occurs after surgical menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Sexual dysfunction - In addition to vaginal discomfort, lowered estrogen leads to reduced libido and arousal for many women. Dyspareunia (pain during sex)also occurs.
- Weight gain and slower metabolism - Fat storage patterns tend to shift to the abdomen and metabolism slows down, making weight gain more mass may also decline.
- Hair and skin changes - Loss of collagen and estrogen causes thinner hair, increased facial hair growth, dry skin, and worsening skin elasticity.
- Treatment options
The abrupt onset of menopausal symptoms after surgical menopause can significantly impact one’s quality of life. But there are treatment options available,including:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, can help stabilize hormones and manage hot flashes, vaginal issues, bone loss risk, and other symptoms. Oral tablets, skin patches, gels,implants, shots or rings can be used to customize treatment.
- Vaginal estrogen - Low-dose, localized estrogen in creams, a tablet, or ring can help relieve genitourinary symptoms without raising systemic estrogen levels much. This avoids risks associated with standard hormone therapy.
- Medications - Antidepressants like SSRIs may help hot flashes. Osteoporosis drugs like bisphosphonates strengthen bones. Vaginal lubricants, moisturizers and laser therapy can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Lifestyle measures -Quitting smoking, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, staying active, practicing stress management techniques like yoga and meditation,and dressingin breathable layers can provide symptom relief. A healthy, balanced diet ensures adequate nutrition. Localized massage and moist heat packs can also help with sore muscles and joints.
Seeking prompt care after surgical menopause allows for early diagnosis and management of any issues that arise due to the abrupt hormone changes. Working closely with one’s healthcare provider is key to finding the right treatment plan - lifestyle, medications or hormone therapy can help counter various effects on the body and improve quality of life.
Regular health checks and screening tests are also important during this transition.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic(/) specializes in hormone health and offers customized surgical menopause treatment plans to help patients navigate this change smoothly. Their expertevaluations, advanced hormone testing, latest therapies and holistic approach enable optimal relief from symptoms.
