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In March of this year due to ongoing heavy periods causing anemia and severe pain; my gynecologist said I needed to have a hysterectomy. I asked her if she could please try to save what she could because I'm 38 and I wanted another baby. Well I ended up having a full hysterectomy and since I opened my eyes its been crazy. It seems I have hot flashes every half hour or so and they are intense. Other people can feel the heat radiating from my body. Don't get me wrong I am immensely grateful to God to have my life, but to be completely honest, its just miserable. I'm always hot and when they come on I feel an instant headache, my hair has changed it sheds more than it used to and most times I'm just exhausted. I am taking Estroven right now in the day and at night. I also take vitamin E, C, D, and B-12. But I worry about taking so many supplements and whether or not it will help on a long term basis. I know its only been like 8 months or so, but I'm so afraid that maybe they wont go away. I feel like who would want someone who cant have children and who is too hot to even come close to. I feel like the essence of who I am as a woman was taken away. I'm sorry if that sounds like I dont appreciate the Blessing in it all because I really do. I just need HELP! I'm crying as I type this because I dont know what else to do. I'm afraid of hormone replacement because of what I've heard about. Can you offer any suggestions? I'm willing to try ANYTHING at this point.
Thank you
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I think that you need to read Dr. Christiane Northrup's book "The Wisdom of Menopause" it has helped me immensely. I had a complete hysterectomy at 47 due to ovarian cysts and large fibroids with heavy bleeding. I don't agree with all of her procedures and religious practices in the book but I think that she covers all walks of life. She goes through why you are feeling what you are and offering all sorts of ways to deal with the hormonal issues and longevity which I think that is what we are all shooting for: healthy when older. Hope you get the book and read it.
July 19, 2011 - 4:55pmThis Comment
Anon - Thank you for your questions and for sharing your story with EmpowHER. Having a hysterectomy at 38 has, of course, put you into menopause earlier than would have occurred naturally. You may find it helpful to focus on finding information and support for menopause relief rather than post-hysterectomy support. There far more books, websites, support groups, etc. for menopause support and they tend to focus more on a woman's needs as a whole rather than recovery from a clinical procedure.
In terms of relief from the hot flashes and heat you should definitely discuss this with your doctor as there may be some clinical reasons for your symptoms. Additionally, you will find a lot of practical information in our Hot Flashes section of the site, including solutions that have worked for other women. https://www.empowher.com/condition/hot-flashes/definition
Please also see: https://www.empowher.com/community/share/treatments-hot-flashes
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/information-hot-flashes
Power Surge - Website for women in menopause http://www.power-surge.com/
In terms of feeling like "the essence of being a woman" was taken away you may want to consider getting some professional counseling to help you accept your situation. Your belief is your own, and as long as you feel this way, and it bothers you, then you will struggle against circumstances that you can't change. This leads to a vicious cycle of beating up one's self, and that certainly isn't healthy for anyone.
Recovery from any type of major surgery takes longer than we tend to expect. You are still in the process of recovery and learning to live with your new situation. It's going to take some time and a lot of information to figure out what's best for you, but you will get there. Please try to be more gentle with yourself, and accept the good things that are still present in your life. You may want to consider journaling to help express your feelings and to also look at the things you're grateful for. Better days are ahead, and I hope this information helps you to get there.
Take care,
November 5, 2010 - 5:27pmPat
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