What Is The Link Between Hysterectomy And Menopause?

Hysterectomy and menopause continues to create confusion among many women who are not sure whether the latter will be induced by having a hysterectomy. In explaining what can occur let's look at the link between the two.

Firstly, what is a hysterectomy? In simple terms, it's the removal of a women's uterus and cervix or part of a women's uterus. Some procedures may also involve removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The Effects Of Hysterectomy

So how does a hysterectomy affect menopause? Women can no longer menstruate or become pregnant following a hysterectomy but it seems there is confusion surrounding the issue of whether this means that menopause has occurred. Simply explained, if one or both of the ovaries are retained then menopausal onset could continue as normal. In fact, one of three things could happen: the ovaries will continue to function normally until menopause occurs; the ovaries could stop functioning as soon as one year following surgery or ovarian failure could be silent.

What Is Surgical Menopause?

Complete removal of the ovaries in pre-menopausal women will result in a drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels which can bring on what is described as surgical menopause. A sudden drop in ovarian production can lead to menopause symptoms occuring just a few days following the procedure. The increased risk of osteoporosis is one of the downsides to this as well as the usual symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for women who experience surgical menopause. This can help alleviate some of the symptoms such as hot flushes. Information on the benefits of HRT are sketchy to say the least with the treatment having both it's detractors and supporters. Whether it's the right course of action for you can only be made following a consultation with your health physician. The good news for women who elect to skip HRT is that there are alternative and more natural treatments available and this should be one of the first questions you ask your doctor.

Women who have one or both of their ovaries left behind following a hysterectomy will generally experience ovarian production until menopause is reached. The difference is that hormone levels can fluctuate alarmingly or, they can stop producing a lot sooner than expected. If it's the latter and oestrogen deficiency is recognized, then a visit to the doctor is of the utmost importance.

More Issues To Consider

There are other issues regarding whether the ovaries should be left behind. The threat of ovarian cancer always lingers and many doctors will advise their patients to consider removing them. The risk however, is low and in many cases if the ovaries are relatively healthy then many patients will elect to retain either one or both.

Hysterectomy and menopause seems like a very complex issue on the surface and in reality it is because there are many factors to consider. Hysterectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the western world for women and for most, it's a decision made after lengthy analysation. You'll need to weigh up the pros and cons with your doctor before making any decision.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Is there a link between hysterectomy and menopause? Get the latest menopause related news and reviews at:http://www.infomenopause.com

Early Menopause And Your Emotions

Learning that you?re going through premature menopause can be devastating and it?s not unusual to suddenly fall into a period of depression upon receiving this unwelcome news.

Even if you weren?t planning on having children, learning that you?re suddenly infertile is an experience that can wreak havoc on your emotions. Somehow you feel as though you?re less of a woman or perhaps no longer sexy; as if a very integral part of you has died.

You try to share your feelings with friends or family, but early or premature menopause is something that few others understand. Like suffering a miscarriage or the death of a parent, unless someone has gone through it, they just can?t comprehend how emotionally devastating and upsetting early menopause can be.

Because early menopause is often unexpected, women who experience it are more at risk for depression than are older women who are approaching or experiencing symptoms of menopause. Women who are faced with early menopause as a result of surgery are often even more devastated due to the fact that they?ve not only gone through a major surgery, but a big part of who they believe they were is suddenly gone.

No matter what the reason for early menopause, all women who experience it ? both mothers and career women ? feel a profound loss and a significant amount of grief, shock and disbelief. These feelings won?t disappear right away; as a matter of fact, there?s a healing process that most women must go through before they begin to accept the fact that they?re experiencing menopause prematurely and much sooner than they would have preferred.

One woman I interviewed for this project says ?Once I learned to accept what I had become, I realized there was nothing I could do about it. I finally decided that I would do the best I could to remain young and feel good. What choice did I have?? So, certainly, you will mourn and it will take time, but eventually you will get through this and you will feel better. As a matter of fact, each day will bring less feelings of despair and time will bring you back to your old self ? determined, strong and capable; perhaps even more so than before.

One of the first steps to returning to the old you is by looking in the mirror and seeing how you really are still yourself. Your youthful appearance is still intact; as a matter of fact, all of you is still intact. Yes, your reproductive system is not working the way it should, but you?re still a wonderful, young and vibrant woman with so much potential and so much to offer.

Susan Megge started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery of the significant role that exercise plays in making menopause a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause. Learn to cope with symptoms of early menopause by visiting http://www.40isbeautiful.com/Early_Menopause.html.

MACA -- Menopause and Mid-life Miracles

"I've been trying Maca for almost a year and I've never had this much energy."

Yes, I've been hearing a lot about the herbal root Maca for months. Both in conversation and in health literature.

In Vista Health Magazine, Allen Glonek writes, "What really drew my attention to maca was the story of one of my patients, a 49-year-old woman who had been on hormone replacement (HRT) for over five years. She had heard of the studies that linked breast cancer, stroke and heart disease with the use of HRT and wanted to stop using the estrogen and progesterone combination immediately...

"She tried soy products, black cohosh, ginseng, evening primrose oil, progesterone cream and numerous other natural remedies to relieve her hot flashes and insomnia but nothing was totally effective until she tried maca. She was able to stop the HRT and get complete menopausal symptom relief with maca in a matter of days. She initially thought that the effects were just placebo but going on and off the supplement proved that the effects of maca were very real. Incidentally, she was also able to go off her antidepressants because her depression and sleep had improved so dramatically."

The anecdotal evidence is certainly worth investigating.

I first heard about it from a friend involved in senior sports. She found that Maca did give her more energy almost from the first use.

What surprised her was the "side-effects." From decreased menstrual pains to increased memory, stamina and libido.

Men using it reported reduced erective dysfunctions and impotency as well as reduced feelings of stress and greatly increased energy levels.

Tests have shown that it increases the estrogen level in women, resulting in raised fertilty and greatly increased sexual satisfaction.

And, in men, increased production of testosterone levels, which results in more vigor, stronger and long-lasting erections, more semenal fluid and more intense orgasms.

Maca originated in Peru.

Peruvian maca root is an adaptogen, like ginseng, and even though Peruvian maca root is not in the ginseng family it shares many similarities to ginseng. Adaptogens are by definition substances that raise the physical body's state of resistance to diseases through physiological health and emotional health improvements. Peruvian maca root somehow supports and rejuvenates overwhelmed, tired adrenal glands eventually resulting in much greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, and the ability to handle stress.

If you want to try it, I recommend that you find a reputable dealer. Only the turnip-like root, contains the active ingredients. Very cheap Maca is often Maca mixed with potato powder, it's often not organic or bacteria-free. Some companies grind up the entire plant and sell it as "pure Maca."

There are various sorts of Maca being offered on the international market. There is Maca from Chile, Bolivia and even a chemical Maca. Only the Maca that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes carries all the positive effects that are described in the scientific researches.

Maca's official designation is Lepidium Peruvianum Chac?n or Lepidium Meyenii Walp.

For more articles on women's issues and marriage therapy, including the popular "WHAT WOMEN WANT: Her Favorite Sexual Positions" and "PANIC ATTACKS -- A Sex Therapist Looks at the Solutions" see The GoArticles of Kathlene Falken

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Kathleen Falken has been a marriage counselor and sex therapist for over 25 years. To read more about modern marriage therapy, see SAVE MY MARRIAGE TODAY

Menopause Symptom And Alternative Treatments

In the past menopausal women had no real choices when it came to menopausal treastments available. But today there is great news for menopausal women. Traditionally, Doctors only offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the logical and accepted treatment for women with symptoms that are associated with menopause.

However,today we have other treatments available to us. These alternative treatments have been making headlines in regards to menopause and post menopause. We're talking about treatments that are a little more natural and are often very effective. Women have been using alternative treatments for menopause since the beginning of time. You may not be familiar with them so read on!

Here are some of the alternative treatments that are available to you. Take a look and see if any of these alternative treatments for menopause and post menopausal symptoms would possibly work for you.

-Your Diet When you eat a lot of junk food do you ever feel really horrible? Physically? You guessed it, YES, your diet plays a huge part in why some people feel good and why others don't. It's best to stick with as many vegetables, fruits, and grains as you possibly can during this difficult time. Try to stay away from fats and red meat if at all possible. Your body needs proper nutrition during menopause. For women who would like to stay as natural as possible, alternative treatments can be wonderful. However, you need to remember that there will be some women that will still need hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It's always recommended that you make this decision with the help of your doctor. Between the two of you, you can come up with a treatment plan.

-Extra Vitamin Supplements

During different stages of our lives, our bodies will naturally lack different vitamins at different times. Vitamins used in higher doses than usual can help ease the symptoms of menopause. Women using alternative medicine to help with menopause will tell you that this is helpful. While you may be getting the nutrients you need from the foods you eat, you should talk to your doctor about taking extra supplements to help you through menopause.

-What About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a form of medicine that uses homeopathy, herbs, and other treatments such as acupuncture for illness and/or troublesome symptoms. More and more women experiencing symptoms of menopause are using this method as well. Be aware: Health care experts have warned women who are at high risk for developing heart disease or other serious illnesses correlated with menopause should consider traditional treatments for menopausal symptoms like hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women in the low risk category however can choose to go with a completely natural method such as the ones described here. By combining some of the natural treatments available, you'll find the best solution for you, this is what alternative treatment is all about!

-Herbs For Menopause Symptoms

Herbs have been used for centuries by different groups of people, they are still widely used in the non-Western world. Herbs are quickly becoming more and more common in the West as well. Numerous studies have shown there to be many herbs that are very effective in controlling the symptoms of menopause. One herb to note is Black cohosh. Black cohosh has been widely used for symptoms of hot flashes while the herb St. John's Wart has been a very popular herb for symptoms of moodiness or anxiety.

-Benefits Of Soy

Soy has been shown to help lower blood pressure. It also helps to stimulate our bodies disease preventing antibodies. Women who suffer with hot flashes may want to use soy to help prevent these symptoms that occur while going through menopause. Studies have shown Soy to be very effective in preventing hot flashes. Soy truly has many benefits for the body. If you don't get enough soy, you can always supplement by taking soy tablets, soy milk or even try soy butter and other soy products readily available in our grocery stores.

Carlie Edwards publishes online articles & useful information for Women. For info on Menopause visit Menopause Symptoms For a variety of related topics visit Health-And-Beauty-Worx.Com

Menopause The Issues

Menopause commonly occurs when a women stops ovulating and her periods ceases. Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55 , with an average age around 50. But some reach it before 40, which is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure.

The first thing to note about menopausal symptoms is that there is a surprisingly long list of them, and that no list is really comprehensive, because every woman experiences menopausal symptoms in an individual way. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, a decline in libido and changes in the menstrual cycle are very common menopausal symptoms, but there are many others. Some very fortunate women experience these symptoms only mildly, or not at all, while for others the menopause phase can prove a very challenging stage in life

Emotional and mental symptoms are also very common, and can be very distressing. These may include mood swings, depression, irritability, difficulties in concentrating, mental confusion and memory problems.

A decline in libido is another very common menopause symptom. This may be exacerbated by vaginal dryness, and a thinning of the skin around the cervix, which can make intercourse uncomfortable.

Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT has been the standard of care for menopause for women since the 70's. In fact, more than 47 million women every year receive prescriptions for this treatment. However, in recent years this form of treatment has come under attack as it is being thought that it causes an increase in heart disease.

For women who are fearful of HRT as a course of treatment for menopause, there are other means of treatment. The most popular forms of alternative treatment involve the use of plants and vitamins to suppress the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a fact of life. You need to know that today you have chooses to help you get though the menopause cycle. There are alternatives to conventional treatments. For alternatives in dealing with menopause, and answers to questions that you my have about menopause go to. http://ment2pause.com

Menopause and Progesterone

Do women going through menopause have lowered levels of progesterone?

Recent research tells us that women do suffer from decreased levels of progesterone and also experience other symptoms such as unexplained weight gain (particularly in the stomach area), depression, fatigue, hair loss, memory loss, mood swings, migraines and loss of libido. A natural cream can balance estrogens without side effects.

Progesterone and estrogen are the two main hormones made by womens ovaries when they are menstruating. Smaller amounts of these hormones are also secreted by the adrenal glands. It's necessary for the survival of the fertilized ovum, its embryo as well as the fetus during gestation.

Progesterone's primary functions include: acting as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone; it maintains uterine lining and aids in gestation; protects against fibrocystic breasts, endometrial and breast cancer; acts as a natural diuretic, helps use fat for energy; can be a natural antidepressant; aids thyroid hormone action; normalizes blood clotting; restores sex drive; normalizes blood sugar, zinc and copper levels; restores proper cell oxygen levels, has a thermogenic effect; builds bone and helps to protects against osteoporosis.

Some doctors feel that menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and heart disease may not be due to a deficiency of estrogen, but to a relative estrogen excess due to progesterone deficiency.

Synthetic progestins, such as an HRT drug called Provera (a synthetic chemical), do not have the same biological effects as natural progesterone and have been known to cause side effects including: fluid retention, depression, breast tenderness, stroke, jaundice, blood clotting and cervical erosions.

On the other hand, natural progesterone has no known side effects and has been found to be helpful in alleviating symptoms such as PMS and hot flashes. It has also been credited with helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Many doctors now prescribe for women in menopause the use of a low-dose, natural progesterone cream during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. The cream is easily absorbed into thin-skin areas such as the breasts, inner arms, neck or belly by the subcutaneous fat and then released into the bloodstream. You should be careful of the dosage level in these products. Some may have none to very little and others provide 20-30 mg in an average application. It's always best to first check with a doctor.

About The Author

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.menopauseinfo.org or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com