Mom had complete hysterectomy...menopausal symptoms - Hysterectomy Message Board

ASDGRMama · 10-11-2005, 08:36 AM

Hello! My mom is 45 and had a complete hysterectomy (they took everything out). She's 12 days post-op and has been having horrid hot flashes since day 3. How long do these typically last? What other symptoms can she expect?

The hot flashes are quite miserable...is there anything she can do? She is not a candidate for HRT since she takes medication for heart disease (had a heart attack a year and a half ago).

Any info you can give would be helpful.

Kelly

smithereens · 10-11-2005, 11:31 AM

I am 20 days post op, and had a total hysterectomy, but was put on HRT, so no symptoms of surgical menopause.

I just want to wish you and your mother good luck in finding answers, and help in figuring out things that will help you out.

I'd call the doc and see what the doc has to say about time frame [I'm sure it is different for everyone] or some things that can be done to alleviate symptoms of menopause without harming her heart health.

djl · 10-14-2005, 11:36 AM

Hi
I am 39 years old and had a abdominal hyst 5 months ago (everything out but my cervix). I am on HRT 0.05 mg of Estroderm.
I started LITTERLY the day after my surgery !!
Unfortunately the patch I am on is not realy helping that much. I still am dealing with Hot Flashes, Night sweats, mood swings,insomnia.. the works.
From what I understand regarding how long it lasts?? It depeneds on the person.
I have heard of natural ways to help menapause. If I were you I would look it up on the net and see what you can find, and then also talk you her doc about what would be good for her to use.
If she has a heart condition, I wouldn't take anything until you speak to her doc first. They should approve anything she takes.

ASDGRMama · 10-14-2005, 01:14 PM

Thank you both for the replies.

Her dr told her she'd feel worlds better after the surgery (which I found hard to believe). I know my mom knew she'd go through menopause but like anyone, didn't really know how rough it would be.

Thanks djl for relaying your story. I'm concerned about her and hope she's not worse off than she was before. I personally feel they took out the wrong organ (I think her problems had more to do with her thyroid...she has nodules). At 28 I have many of the same problems that she did and I'm certainly not premenopausal (I have autoimmune thyroid disease as does my mom's sister, mom and two brothers).

I guess we'll just see how it all goes. I already know that her dr isn't going to approve anything for her because of her heart condition and herbs/"natural remedies" aren't FDA approved.

Thanks again!

Love and Prayers, Kelly

DulcieB · 11-29-2005, 04:01 PM

Hi
I had a radical ( extended Hysterectomy) due to cancer, which included removing everything in the reproductive system including lymph nodes. I also had my first hot flush ( or power surge as I like to call it) on the 3rd day and became so uncomfortably hot that I thought I was gonna die. However, that was 4 years ago now. I have been using oestrogel ( which is a gel that is rubbed into the skin daily) and this suits me ok. I still get the occasional flush but nothing too extreme. I'm sure that there must be some form of HRT that mum could use. Perhaps gynae could help. Its worth a try, but otherwise, there are herbal aids that are apparently very good. Perhaps you could try your local holland & barrett or similar store. Good luck.....I know how awful this is for mum.