Surgery to remove the ovaries, anoophorectomy, is the last resort fortreatingpremenstrualdysphoricdisorder (PMDD).
It permanently stops female hormones from circulating and inducesmenopause.
Unlike menopause which occurs gradually and naturally, induced menopause is abrupt, andsymptomsare often sudden and intense.
Casarsa / iStockphoto
Induced menopause also increases the risk of many diseases and conditions.
It’s even associated with a shortened lifespan.
In addition, there are ways to help minimize the side effects of early menopause afterPMDD surgery.
Casarsa / iStockphoto
Protect Your Bones
Bone lossis an inevitable side effect of menopause.
If you arent already exercising regularly, the onset of menopause is an important time to start.
Diet
Several vitamins and minerals are particularly important for bone health.
There is some evidence increasing intake of these nutrients may help protect bones and prevent fractures.
Calcium
Its well-known calcium is important for bones.
Vitamin D
This nutrient is essential for helping the body absorb calcium.
It can be hard to get enough D from foods.
Fermented foods, in particular a Japanese product callednatto, are also rich K sources.
Theres some controversy around calcium supplements, though.
A nutritionist can also help you fine-tune your diet to ensure you get all the nutrients you need.
It induces early menopause and the health risks and side effects that come with the end of menstruation.
Watch Your Weight
Its a common belief weight gain is inevitable after menopause.
This actually is not the case.
Nor is it true HRT causes women to put on extra pounds.
Body fat also tends to shift to the waist.
Another potential cause of weight gain after menopause is insomnia and sleep loss.
Weight gain after menopause can have a serious impact on body image.
If you experience any of these, whatever the cause, consider mind-body practices such as meditation and yoga.
You might also see a therapist.
Sometimes antidepressants can help.
Take Care of Your Heart
Surgical treatment of PMDD is bad for your heart.
When theyre removed, your libido may decline and youll become less interested in sex.
This can have an effect on your relationship.
It also can have an impact on the health of your vagina.
These side effects can make sex painful and even cause bleeding during penetration.
To deal with these issues, there are a number of vaginal moisturizers you might buy over the counter.
These typically are used every two or three days.
They will prevent dryness overall.
You also can use a lubricant during sex.
Hormone-replacement therapy is necessary to prevent serious complications of induced menopause.
Deciding to manage medication-resistant PMDD surgically is not easy for many reasons.
Combining a healthy lifestyle and estrogen replacement will help you to live well after the surgical management of PMDD.
2016;9(1):44-48. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.171717
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.A guide to calcium-rich foods.
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.Why is vitamin D important?
Fusaro M, Cianciolo G, Brandi ML, et al.Vitamin K and osteoporosis.Nutrients.
Food and Nutrition Board, National Academies.Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Elements.
Food and Nutrition Board, National Academies.Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins.
2019;2(12):e1917789.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789
North American Menopause Society.Depression, mood swings, anxiety.
2016;19(2):151-161. doi:10.3109/13697137.2015.1124259
