“Evidence suggests that the prevalence of depression increases during the menopausal transition and postmenopausal period, including middle age,” DeryaYüksel Koçak, PhD, assistant professor in the department of nursing at Hitit University Faculty of Health Sciences in Çorum, Turkey, and colleagues wrote.

They noted that studies have shown music’s effect on depression and menopausal symptoms separately, though “it is noteworthy that there is no study investigating the effects of … music therapy on [both] menopausal symptoms and the risk of depression in menopausal women.”

Read more from Healio.com about Music therapy reduces depression, menopausal symptoms

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Here are 5 tips which might find helpful as you prepare for your hysterectomy and first surgery.

1. Talk to your doctor.

You and your doctor are partners, so don’t overlook him as a resource. Your doctor can answer your questions about what he will do during surgery and what you can expect during recovery. He may also have videos and literature to help explain your upcoming hysterectomy. In addition, his nurse and staff may also be able to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns.

2. Ask questions of your HysterSisters.

Your fellow HysterSisters have gone before you and are willing to share their experiences. You can post your questions in the Preparing for Hysterectomy forum and members will do their best to answer them. They will offer you support as you prepare for your hysterectomy and share their relaxation and preparing tips. Their advice can also include what worked for them and how they managed in the days leading up to their surgeries.

3. Get a second opinion.

Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident about your decision which in turn could make you more comfortable with your upcoming hysterectomy. You may also connect better with a second opinion or find out about options that feel better for you. You can also sit down and talk over your plan with one of your other doctors with whom you have confidence. That physician may be able to ease your fears and answer your questions so you feel more confident moving forward.

4. Read First Surgery | Hysterectomy.

HysterSisters has put together a First Surgery | Hysterectomy article about what you can expect at the hospital for your hysterectomy. It begins with being admitted and ends when you wake up in the Recovery Room. Knowing what will take place can help you feel more prepared for your upcoming first surgery.

5. Relax.

Being anxious and stressed can keep you in a cycle of nervousness and apprehension. If necessary, you can ask your doctor for an anxiety or sleeping medications to use in the days leading to your surgery. You can also try relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, or prayer and meditation to bring calm to your mind, body, and soul. A hot soak in the tub with a good book and soothing music can be helpful, as well as having a girl’s night out. You may also benefit from a walk in the park, writing in your diary, or getting some extra rest.

For additional ideas for preparing for your hysterectomy, browse through the HysterSisters Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles. There you will find helpful tips and information which can help ease your mind and answer your questions.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Hysterectomy and First Surgery

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I had a hysterectomy with oomphectomy due to fibroid tumors, excessive bleeding and pain in both my uterus and Rt ovary. I had been on BC prior to my child being born and then after to help with my regulation issues and massive cramps with heavy flow.
I consulted my OBGYN and out of the choices having the hysterectomy was my best option. Plus with breast cancer being a concern it was an oomphectomy also.

My surgery was postponed due to the Covid19 pandemic for several months and I just dealt with the issues I had until July when my surgery was finally scheduled. It was an out-patient procedure. I was admitted by 6:30am and was home by 2:00pm. I was given a mild pain prescription to help with pain.

I was told by many not to expect a speedy recovery, however I was out for breakfast 3 days later. My movements were very slow and planned out so I could move safely. I also purchased a belly band system that helped secure my abdomen to help my movements.
I saw my OBGYN 2 weeks after my surgery, I drove myself to the appointment. I was told I had 4 more weeks till I could go back to my regular routine.

My health has been overall good. My weight has gone up and I am bloated in the abdominal area. I am on HRT since it was under advice to prevent early menopause right after the surgery to help my body heal and to keep my mental status on a positive track. The choice to have the surgery was the right one for me!

If I am asked if someone should follow my path with surgery, I would say this. You need to way your options and do what is right for you and what it would be like down the road. Why try option after option if surgery is the best option and live miserable until you do it?

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They also determined that the association between the number of children and dementia was similar in women and men.

The findings are important as studies have shown that the prevalence and death rates for dementia are higher among women than men.

“While the risk of developing dementia increases with age, the extent to which the female predominance is simply due to women’s longer life span remains far from conclusive, and female-specific reproductive factors may be able to explain these sex disparities,” Jessica Gong, MSc, a PhD candidate at The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues wrote.

Read more from Healio.com about Study shows certain reproductive factors increase dementia risk in women

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By definition, the cervix is part of the uterus. Removing the top of the uterus and leaving the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) may be an option for some women. This is then called a Partial, Supracervical, or Subtotal Hysterectomy.

This option is definitely a topic that must be discussed with your doctor who knows your medical history.

If your cervix is healthy, and you have no history of bad pap smears, you are most likely a candidate for keeping your cervix.

Some believe that the cervix helps to provide pelvic floor support for the bladder (incontinence) and lower abdominal area with the hope of relieving possible vaginal prolapse issues.

Some also believe that retaining the cervix helps with sexual health by keeping nerve endings in the cervix and lower uterus that may be the involved with orgasmic responses. Some women like the feeling of bumping when the cervix is left.

Pap smears are still necessary after your hysterectomy along with your regular gynecological checkups.

On the downside, some HysterSisters who keep their cervix report possible mini-periods from the endometrium (uterine lining) still attached to the cervix even if the surgeon cauterized it during surgery. A “mini-period” can mean anything from slightly discolored spotting to light bleeding. Ovaries or cyclic hormones must be present to cause the small amount of endometrium to cycle and bleed. The majority of women don’t have mini-periods. If you have your ovaries removed and are using estrogen replacement, you may want to consider using some progesterone to avoid endometrium proliferation.

Also on the negative side is the possibility that the cervix will have to be removed in another surgery. HysterSisters.com reports more than one woman who retained her cervix only to develop cervical cancerafter her surgery. A history of bad paps or HPV is a good reason not to keep your cervix.

Retaining your cervix helps with an easier, quicker recovery because there is no vaginal cuff (stitched-closed top of the vagina) to heal. The cervix leaves a more natural closure to the vagina. Years ago, before antibiotics, the cervix was routinely retained as a natural closure to the outside. The risk for post-op infection may be reduced.

Deciding to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult question by itself. It is important to explore all your options (Keep ovaries? Keep cervix? Abdominal surgery? Laparoscopic surgery? Vaginal surgery? Robot assisted surgery)? Talk over all your concerns with your surgeon, consider a second opinion, and do the best you can with the information you have and recommendations of your physician.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Should I Keep My Cervix when I Have My Hysterectomy?

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I was diagnosed with fibroids at age 29, due to me having very heavy mensual bleeding. I started out with 3, 2 the size of grapes, and 1 the size of a small orange. Before I could decide what to do, I got pregnant. After delivering my daughter at age 31, I had to get a colposcopy after my 6 weeks check up, being that I also had HPV found during my pregnancy. After another 6 weeks of healing from that, I got the Mirena to try and stop the fibroids from growing. It did stop my periods but was very uncomfortable. I felt pressure all the time and sex was painful. I left it in the full 5 years but did not want another one. I suffered with the heavy periods again for the next 10 years. My HPV was back, and at age 43 I had a severe pain in my back/ left side. I went to see my OBGYN and my fibroids had tripled in size, and I had developed 2 more, making the count 5 now. This OBGYN was not very social, nor did she seem too knowledgeable with my situation. She put me on Norethindrone. It made me severely ill, suffering from Nausea, chills, shakes, and diarrhea for 2 1/2 weeks. I stopped taking it myself. My only other option was to have a procedure. I did not trust this OBGYN so I got a 2nd opinion. I loved this new OBGYN but he wasn’t trained with laparoscopic hysterectomy and reffered me to his collegue and told me he was one of the best… and he was right! He also found Endometriosis on my left side that I didn’t even know that I had. That explains that shooting pain that I experienced that day!

My laparoscopic hysterectomy took an hour and 15 minutes. I had my uterus, both fallopian tubes, and cervix removed. I was able to keep both ovaries. I was discharged the same day. I checked it at 7:30am and went into surgery at 9:30 am. I was heading home by 4pm. I’m not sure what anesthesia I was given. I’ll look through my paperwork and add that later.

My recovery from surgery was 12 weeks… mainly to be released for sexual activities. I was driving and doing laundry at the end of week 2… which was not wise. I ended up with a temp of 102 and chills… I think from doing too much too soon I developed a UTI. I was put on an antibiotic for 7 days. I started doing light workouts at week 4. My recovery was more on the easier side, compared to the stories that I’ve heard. The worst thing that I dealt with was the gas. It didn’t travel up my shoulders and neck. It just stayed in my abdomen and it HURT! I had a very hard time passing the gas, so it lingered for about a week. Holding a pillow against my stomach while I walked helped some. Walking is definitely the key to passing the gas.

I am very happy that I had this procedure. My iron is still low, but it’s improving. I still deal with fatigue some days, but I dealt with it worse before surgery. I have more energy now. I no longer have pain in my lower back or pelvic area. I also deal with hot flashes and insomnia sometimes. And I still feel urgency when it’s time to urinate, it’s very hard for me to hold it and sometimes I have accidents. I also deal with constipation and bloating still also. I’m taking Miralax and it helps keep things moving. I know I’m still healing but I already feel much better.

I know that it’s easy to say “don’t worry”, because I did. I was actually petrified because this was my first surgery ever. I will say that with the other procedures that are out there, I feel that this one is the best option. UFE, ablation, etc. They seem like a temporary fix… if they work at all. The surgical team that I ended up finding were excellent! If you don’t feel comfortable with who you’re seeing, get a 2nd… even a 3rd opinion. Trust your gut. And during the prep pre surgery and the recovery post surgery, listen to your medical staff and do EVERYTHING they tell you to do.

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Imo A. Ebong, M.D., from the University of California Davis in Sacramento, and colleagues estimated the hazard ratios of incident heart failure associated with menopausal age using models testing for effect modification by obesity and adjusting for heart failure risk factors. Postmenopausal women were classified by age at menopause (younger than 45, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, and 55 years or older).

Read more from Physician’s Weekly about Menopausal Age, Obesity Links to Heart Failure Explored

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Each person has two copies of these genes, one from each parent. If there is a mutation in one or both of these genes, it can increase your risk of breast, ovarian, and other specific cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), mutations of BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 account for 20–25% of all hereditary breast cancers, about 5–10% of all breast cancers, and around 15% of all cases of ovarian cancer. The NCI further states that 12% of the general population of women will develop breast cancer, but 55–65% of women with a mutated BRCA 1 gene and 45% with a mutated BRCA 2 gene will develop it. Furthermore, the NCI states that 1.4% of women will develop ovarian cancer, but 39% with a mutated BRCA 1 and 11–17% with a mutated BRCA 2 gene will develop it. In addition, there may be increased risks of both Fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer when there is a mutated BRCA 1 gene. Mutations of the BRCA 1 and/or BRCA 2 genes may also increase your risk of other cancers. These can include colon, skin, pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, and stomach cancers.

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) reminds women that different studies of families with BRCA mutations have found different lifetime risks for cancer. For instance, one study of mutations common in the Jewish population found a lifetime cancer risk of about 85%. Thus, it is important to work with a specialist in cancer genetics to determine your personal cancer risks and how you can make decisions to minimize those risks. FORCE further indicates that new research continues, so you should always stay in contact with a genetic expert to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

A mutation of BRCA 1 and/or BRCA 2 does not automatically mean you will develop cancer; it only means you have an increased risk. According to the American Cancer Society, genetics is only one possible cause for cancer. Other factors include lifestyle (tobacco use, diet, physical activity), certain types of infections, and environmental issues. Your cancer risk may involve a combination of the factors, your reproductive history, and genetics factors besides BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutations. In addition, women without BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutations can still develop both breast and ovarian cancer.

Mutated BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 are rare, so without a family history of cancer genetic testing is not necessary. However, if you have a family member who is BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 positive, then you should consider genetic counseling to determine if genetic testing is right for you. If there are multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family, two or more primary cancers in a single family member, and/or cases of male breast cancer in your family, then you should consider seeing a genetic counselor to see if genetic testing would be beneficial for you.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: BRCA Information

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I was released from the hospital the same day of my surgery. Recovery was ok after 4 weeks. I was able to go back to my normal routine after 8 weeks. On January 16th 2016 I had to rush to the emergency room because I was in the worst pain ever. Come to find out I needed to have a vaginal cuff repair because I had a tear and my intestines were starting to pop out through the opening. I was horrified. I haven’t felt good ever since, still in pain and swelling.

On Monday February 15th I’m having another surgery to find out whats going on so the surgeon wants to do a robotic assisted laporoscopic exploratory surgery. Im so tired and scared.

A part of me regrets having the surgery cause I feel like Im never gona feel normal again but theres a part of me that is glad that I had it done because I am no longer getting my period and no more endometriosis pain. Im just hoping this is my last surgery and that I can feel normal again and be able to do the things I used to do before all of ths chaos started in my life.

My advice to women that are going to have a hysterectomy is to really think about it and make sure you have tried everything possible to avoid a hysterectomy. Everybody heals differently but if you can avoid a hysterectomy then great. Only do it if its your last resort. Make sure you have someone helping you while you recover and always follow doctors orders even if you feel like you can do things wait til he/she gives you the ok to do so. I wish you all the best of luck and God bless.

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