I had both my ovaries removed last summer and am struggling to get back to my old self. The first 3 months were really hard, with no support. I’ve since been on oestrogen suppositories and antidepressants which I think are helping. I feel I’m slowly getting there, except my libido has completely disappeared and I'm at a loss to know how to improve it. I’d like to hear about your experience if you’ve also been through induced menopause, and would love some advice on improving my sex drive.
-Helen H.
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Anonymous6 years ago
Hi Helen - I had mine removed together with a complete hysterectomy as part of preventative measures for the BRCA2 gene mutation. I am 40 years old and am 3 weeks post op - on the 100 patches so I will report in - I had heachaches to start but also suffered from chronic migraines before so I’m waiting to see what happens...
Claire6 years ago
Hi Helen, I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time at the moment. Mine wasn’t induced, but was caused by premature Ovarian failure which also happens suddenly. My symptoms were severe due to being young, I was 28 when first diagnosed, so really struggled to cope. I found the oestrogen suppositories helped along with progesterone coil, oestrogen patches and antidepressants, it took a while to find the right balance of HRT to suit me. I also found eating a healthy diet and exercising helped beat the fatigue and low moods. My sex drive slowly came back and I felt normal to a certain extent, but I did feel like a different person. True what they say the menopause really does change you, everyone is different though! Good luck with your journey and try to keep strong and positive x
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi, my surgery was 3 years ago, they could only remove 1 and a half ovaries due to scaring from previous cesarians, I am on oral hrt and recently prescribed topical cream also as still struggling, I’m nhs front line and you can imagine the hot flushes underneath ppe are fearce! I struggle with brain fog and my labido is low, hope this helps x
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi Helen, I had exactly the same. Felt the same, so I Understand exactly what you mean. However, my surgeon suggested I go on testosterone gel too & that has helped me. He said even after the menopause the ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone even after the oestrogen stops. In the U.K. it’s given now on the nhs. Hoping things improve soon for you. Best wishes. Jo
Sharon6 years ago
Hi Helen I’m 6mpo and only halfway there. I think we all underestimate what the op will do to our bodies. I can’t have hrt because of endo and adeno so it’s herbal remedies and crossing my fingers. My sex drive exists in my head, but luckily my body responds when things get moving. Though I overdid it last weekend and have been in pain since, though it’s easing, no damage just muscle pain. Talking to your partner is important, start with romancing again - regular hugs and support through the day. Then just start as you did as a teen, gentle kissing and touching. Have a chat with your doc too as there are some very good hrt treatments available. Contact the Menopause Doctor on instagram
Sam6 years ago
I am in an induced chemical menopausal for endometriosis. I’ve struggled like yourself. I find pacing myself and accepting that I have days when I literally can’t move due to the pain. It’s a new chapter in your life, as you and your body adjust. Libido wise, I don’t have a magic solution, except time. Take care.
Tiny6886 years ago
Hey there I am just experiencing the early on set of induced menopause due to a double lung transplant last year at 44 yrs. I was experiencing hot and cold sweats , lack of sleep, fatigue, weight gain was the worst. I tried HRT patches but were unable to Wear them continuously due to the chemists unable to get a long term supply. Which often meant skipping a month and then having to do the process all again. I decided due to the inrealiability I would go it alone. It has not been easy. Fortunately I have only stubbled on a new sex life with a new partner to find I cannot find the off button which is the total opposite. My libido has gone off the charts, although nice temporally , I am getting exhausted with the thought of it. I feel broken over weight which I truly hate.
Lyzi6 years ago
I feel ya. I also am BRCA2. Had the whole surgery deal in 2012 at 40. honestly have never been the same since. Like others have said, we all experience menopause whether induced or natural, differently. My experience, pre and post op was too stressful for my partner and we ended splitting up 8 months later. There was lots of drama and was overall a traumatic experience. Depression hit hard! almost immediately post op and lasted a couple of years. Anxiety and panic attacks are a way of life now. I moved back home for after the break up and worked on rediscovering my self outside of sexual relationships & reclaiming my power. Something that should have done long before. A low libido kept it easy. Then, 3 years post op, I had a surprising summer fling and the sex was fabulous!! (first time was painful, ngl, like losing my virginity all over again) but after that it was like riding a bike. I was thirsty & easily aroused. What's been working best for me overall is exercise. I try to do a small daily workout. I don't do well on antidepressants, they make me depressed. But exercise gets the good brain juices flowing. And feeling fit =feeling sexy=? Thats my experience, YMMV. Good luck on the journey.
Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Coach6 years ago
Hi Helen, I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. When you enter menopause so abruptly, it can almost make you feel like a different person. There's nothing gradual about it. I'm glad to hear you are starting to see some improvements with the antidepressants and oestrogen. Your sex drive can totally take a hit with depression or anxiety and menopause. Large studies have found that 50-70% of people with depression have low libido, and antidepressants often lower your sex drive even more. There are some things you can try to boost your interest in sex. Firstly, be open with your partner about what you are going through. They may have some ideas on how to increase intimacy between you both that piques your interest. Many women also find that exercise boosts their libido. Also, let your doctor know you're struggling. He/she may recommend a lower dose of your antidepressant or suggest you take your pill after you have had sex. Menopause can also make intercourse uncomfortable and even painful, so have fun experimenting with different lubricants. Good luck and let us know how you get on!
Chazza6 years ago
I had a full hysterectomy in October 2019 at the age of 52. The biggest problem has been the hot flushes. None of the usual remedies work for me eg wild yam etc and I have given up hope that the anything will work as my body is not producing any oestrogen. So when the flushes come I I always drink a liquid. It does nothing to cool the body, but it is just an opportunity to stay hydrated. Maca powder taken daily controls my moods so that I am not unpleasant. I think it helps with the libido also. Daily meditation also keeps me positive. Thanks to COVID and lockdown I have been able to walk daily and do fasting, which again help with keeping my moods under control and it feels good to be losing weight around the tummy. Sometimes the flushes give me anxiety and I just have to cry. I go with it and observe it as an out of body experience. So I know that I am up set temporarily due to the hormone imbalance and not that anything is wrong with my life. I have had to accept that it now a part of my daily life and make a conscious effort to stay positive. Life is going to go on my terms. I hope this helps ?
Helen6 years ago
Girls thank you so much for all the good advice
Wendy6 years ago
Hi, had a partial hysterectomy (no ovaries removed) but it’s had been so hard! I’m 45 and really need to understand what’s going on my body and how to help him to work better.
claire6 years ago
Hi I’m 48 yr old and in my 4th year since induced menopause. So much basic information in pamphlets and what Dr’s mention is basic before the op, I feel what is said is no where near enough. I’ve had no support or help at all I have had to fight my way throu and work out what helps what doesn’t and how to pull myself out into the world. Only that I’m a glass half full girl and I’m on tibolone it’s getting me throu. I hope that you are being kind to yourself. My experience is that My sex drive is now in my head more that a feeling, I hardly ever instigate it now. Your body goes throu so many changes it takes a lot of accepting of all these changes To move yourself forward. I’m also lucky my kids all grown up and my husband is 10yr older than me.
PJ6 years ago
Hi, it’s so good to hear all your comments, and to know that I’m not alone, trying to cope. I had my full hysterectomy 4 years ago at the age of 49. I went onto HRT patches, once I realised how horrid the hot flushes were. I started on the 50’s then increased to the 100. I never felt better, No hot flushes, no night sweats, moods or anything. Then the news hit that you couldn’t get hold of them. I was devastated! I then decided to go it alone and try to get through this the best way I could. I’m 6 months in and experiencing it all. Can’t sleep, moods, brain fog, hot flushes aching bones and yes low sex drive. My daughter has just introduced me to Pruvit, which is a ketone shake, that apparently has lots of benefits for the body, which also help with the menopause. I’m trying them for 10 days to see if they help. I’m on day 4 and the only thing I can say I’ve noticed right now is that my brain fog has disappeared and I have much more energy. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they reduce the hot flushes. I’ll let you know how I get on. X
Karina6 years ago
Hi Helen, I had a full hysterectomy in January and At 33yrs old. I had severe endometriosis and adenomyosis And after many surgeries and other treatments options, a full hysterectomy was my last chance of living a pain free life. I take HRT- tibolone. At the moment I’m struggling with weight gain which is affecting my self esteem and mood. Tibolone is causing side effects such a headaches, brain fog and nausea, despite these side affects it does help with my libido. I hope you find something all to help with your libido.
ladybird3 years ago
Just had robotic full hysterectomy Thursday morning due to cervical cancer diagnosis. Back home in my own bed now. But haven’t had a poo yet :) but that’s down to the opioids. Bit bloated but generally positive and not in pain. Mostly discomfort and obviously not asleep at the moment :) Still have my progesterone only implant in my arm which I have had a series of for about 10 years. Not had the HRT discussion yet, other than it’s to be discussed in 2 weeks when I go for my post op follow up.