Hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the womb or the uterus and ovaries. The hysterectomy may include total hysterectomy where the whole uterus or womb is removed along with the cervix. In sub-total hysterectomy the uterus or womb is removed but the cervix is left intact. Such a removal may be undertaken to resolve problems such as cancer or endometriosis.

Following a hysterectomy menopause is experienced in women. This menopause is known as surgical or induced menopause. Such a hysterectomy menopause occurs immediately and the woman stops having her periods. As the ovaries are removed the menopausal symptoms will be experienced immediately rather than gradually as in the case of normal menopause.

Those women who have undergone a hysterectomy but have not removed their ovaries will not experience induced menopause as the ovaries continue to produce the hormones. However since they do not have the uterus they will not have their periods and they will not be able to have children. Such women may also experience hot flashes as the surgery can disturb the supply of blood to the ovaries. For these women having undergone hysterectomy menopause will be experienced a few years earlier.

For a woman undergoing hysterectomy menopause and its effects can be devastating particularly if she is not mentally prepared for the symptoms of menopause. For a woman still in child bearing age facing such a menopause can be devastating. The feeling of not being able to have children is difficult to handle and other menopause symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, depression and night sweats can be very difficult to handle.

Some reasons why hysterectomy is performed include menstrual periods that are intolerable. Some serious medical conditions or family history and other uterus issues that cannot be handled easily through medical intervention may also require a hysterectomy. Different women react differently to a hysterectomy. However there are some common hysterectomy menopause symptoms experienced by most women. For women who have had their ovaries removed hot flashes are experienced.

Many women also experience lowered sex drive as a symptom of hysterectomy menopause. Many women worry that their partner may find them less attractive or appealing. For older women handling symptoms of hysterectomy menopause is relatively easier compared to younger women. Some other symptoms of this menopause include extreme depression and anxiety, palpitations, sweating, insomnia, itchy skin, headaches and fatigue.

If the ovaries are removed the woman will immediately experience menopause post surgery and so it is difficult to handle such a huge change. Women experiencing hysterectomy menopause need to be given the correct treatment following the hysterectomy surgery. This will help them deal with the symptoms better.

Hysterectomy has a huge physiological, psychological and emotional impact on a woman. Unlike natural menopause in hysterectomy women do not have time to adjust to the changes and this can be extremely difficult to handle. In such a situation the right kind of medical treatment along with a dependable support system can help women lead a healthy life.