Sept 22, 2016, marks the date of my hysterectomy. It was a long journey to get to this point. But that’s not what I want to talk about right now. Rather, I want to talk about the aftereffects of my hysterectomy. Instant menopause.
I was not aware that my body would go into induced menopause instantly after my procedure. Within days after my surgery, I experienced hot flashes. I honestly didn’t know what I was experiencing. It wasn’t the kind of hot that you take off a layer of clothes to cool off, it was the kind of hotness that felt like my insides were on fire. There was no cooling off my body no matter what I did. I also experienced dry skin and severe dry eye. I did not know that was part of menopause either. Don’t get me started on the irritability part of it. Let’s just say my family was not happy with my attitude for a while. My mom finally suggested that I investigate hormone therapy. I went on the search for a specialist in my area and I finally found a naturopathic doctor that was able to help me get my lack of hormones back in place. I was grateful to find a doctor that sympathized with me and help me feel normal again.
I’ve learned a lot since my first visit. It took a few years to get the hormone dosage right for myself. Some women are lucky to get it the correct dosage instantly I was not one of them. It took a lot of trial and error to find the correct amount for me. Of course, diet, exercise, stress is all a part of a healthy balanced lifestyle as well. I’ve learned that all these elements are important to maintain a healthy lifestyle but most importantly I learned that hormones affect your life way more than I ever thought. Lack of energy, grumpiness, irritability, dry eye, dry everything inside and out weight loss or weight gain, sleep, constipation, hot flashes, lack of libido are all signs of hormonal imbalances also known as menopause. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
There is help and I want to make these types of topics feel open and safe to discuss. It’s not taboo to talk about. This is normal and a part of life, a part of aging. My goal is to age with grace and share everything I’ve experienced so far with you, so you don’t have to suffer like I did. I’ve been on hormone therapy for several years now. Progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Plus, many vitamins. I am proud to take these hormones because they help me feel like my normal self. I don’t suffer from hot flashes or dry skin anymore.
If you suffer from any of the issues I mentioned, I suggest getting your hormones tested. It’s never a bad idea to have blood work done to see your levels with hormones or cholesterol, high blood pressure…the list goes on.
We need to advocate for our own health and stop making excuses and just get it done. You will not regret it.
Elizabeth Hall
Founder, Eeze Natural Health
