When menopause occurs naturally, it is a lengthy process with many stages, which generally lasts several years. During this time, levels of estrogen slowly decline. Following a hysterectomy, however, especially if the ovaries are also removed, there is usually a complete loss of estrogen production in the body. This is because the ovaries are mostly responsible for producing the hormone. A hysterectomy is commonly referred to as surgical menopause.
Naturally-occurring menopause typically results in noticeable, but manageable, changes to the body. Following a hysterectomy, women often experience an influx of symptoms. Vasomotor flushes, also known as hot flashes, and night sweats are not only common, they are usually quite severe following surgical removal of a woman’s reproductive organs.
On many occasions, an oophorectomy, the surgical removal of the ovaries, will accompany a hysterectomy. Since the ovaries produce most of the body's estrogen, removing them generally results in a sudden depletion of the hormone. As a result, symptoms of menopause can occur abruptly, often apparent within the first few days of a total hysterectomy.
The hysterectomy and menopause symptoms that rapidly occur include hot flashes, which feel like waves of overwhelming warmth washing over the body. It usually lasts a few minutes at a time, but can occur frequently throughout the day. During sleep, the body continues to react to the loss of estrogen, and night sweats result from the intermittent hot flashes. Women will often wake up in the middle of the night to find their hair, clothing, and bed sheets are damp with sweat.
As a result of interrupted sleep and drastic hormonal changes that arise following hysterectomy and menopause, some women experience insomnia. Depression and irritability are also frequent complaints among menopausal women. These are often attributed to sleep deprivation and a lack of estrogen.
Mood swings and emotional instability are also common following hysterectomy and menopause. A woman may experience crying jags, even though she may not actually feel sad. For no particular reason, she may also suddenly experience an intense period of uncontrolled laughter. Some are bothered by mood swings, while others are barely affected. The severity of symptoms may differ among women.
Many times, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed to ease symptoms of hysterectomy and menopause. Synthetic estrogen can help make the transition easier for some women. The supplement may also ease the severity of other symptoms, such as weight gain, skin changes, bone loss, and vaginal dryness. There are some undesirable side-effects and risks associated with HRT, so women should discuss their options with a physician.
