Recovering From A Hysterectomy? 4 Steps To Relieve The Symptoms Of Surgically-Induced Menopause

If you've recently undergone a hysterectomy, your body will go into surgically-induced menopause. Because your body won't be prepared for the change, you may experience a more dramatic onset of symptoms, including hot flashes, insomnia and weight gain – to name just a few. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help control the changes. Here are four ways to reduce the symptoms associated with surgically-induced menopause.

Increase Your Exercise

Surgically-induced menopause can do more than just speed up the natural change of life. It can also bring on feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. If you weren't prepared for the hysterectomy, you may be going through a feeling of loss over the changes that have occurred. Exercise can help relieve the symptoms of menopause as well as the feelings of depression and anxiety you may be experiencing. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, natural "feel good" hormones. Try adding exercise to your routine several times a week – even a brisk walk once a day will help you feel better.

Watch Your Diet

Now that you're going through menopause, it's time to start watching your diet. Not only will a healthy diet help regulate your metabolism, it will also help you control post-menopausal weight gain. Try adding foods that are high in protein, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables. For maximum benefit, add soy to your daily diet. Soy is a good way to replace the estrogen your body will stop producing now that you're in menopause.

Avoid Plastic Containers

If you're used to using plastic containers to heat your food in the microwave, you might want to stop that now that you're going through menopause. The plastic that's used for storage containers and water bottles can contain chemically produced xenoestrogens, which can disrupt the balance of the hormones that your body is trying to balance. These xenoestrogens can also lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Consider Hormone Replacement

If you're experiencing severe symptoms associated with surgically-induced menopause, you should talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This is particularly true if natural remedies aren't relieving your discomfort. In addition to relieving the symptoms associated with menopause, hormone replacement therapy can also prevent osteoporosis.

If you've recently had a hysterectomy, you're going to need help dealing with the symptoms of surgically-induced menopause. The tips provided here will help keep the symptoms under control. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to speak to an OB/GYN such as Florham Park OB/GYN Dr. Donald Chervenak MD.