Will I Go Through Menopause After My Hysterectomy?
The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is often armed with a host of questions, not just about the procedure but also what happens after. A hysterectomy removes all or part of the uterus and does carry a fair share of side effects. Yet, whether a woman enters menopause immediately following a hysterectomy depends on various factors.
What is a Hysterectomy?
The surgical removal of a woman’s uterus is called a hysterectomy. Women suffering from conditions or diseases such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids or uterine cancer may decide to undergo this procedure. Depending on the reason for the surgery, a woman chooses to either remove all or part of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes.
What About a Hysterectomy Causes Menopause?
Once the ovaries are removed, a woman will immediately enter what’s referred to as surgical or induced menopause – since she’s not naturally entering menopause.
What Are the Accompanying Symptoms?
No longer having ovaries means that your body ceases estrogen production. Without estrogen, women will experience symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Hot flashes: Hormonal imbalances due to the loss of estrogen can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. This imbalance can cause hot flashes, or sudden burning feelings in the face, neck and chest. Hot flashes often cause severe redness.
Night sweats, simply a hot flash that occurs during the night, are another menopausal symptom. Night sweats can lead to insomnia, restlessness and other sleep deprivation-associated issues.
Vaginal dryness: Without estrogen, the lining of the vagina can become dry and itchy. This condition can cause painful sex, leading to a loss of interest in intimacy.
Surgical Options for a Hysterectomy
A robotic hysterectomy is a less invasive option that leads to fewer side effects and requires much less downtime. One option is a laparoscopic hysterectomy which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera and surgical tools through small incisions.
A scar-less hysterectomy uses robotics for better control and as the name implies, this specialty-surgery is performed by making incisions in the belly button.
Dr. Ghozland is one of only a few surgeons who can perform a scar-less hysterectomy. To learn more about this procedure and the other hysterectomy options available, contact our office to schedule a consultation.