The concept and causes of treatment
With age, women's sex estrogen hormonesstop being produced, and the climacteric period begins. However, sometimes the process is deliberately provoked by doctors. Such actions are called artificial menopause. It is characterized by the deliberate cessation of the functioning of the ovaries by doctors, which leads to the cessation of the production of estrogen hormones. Artificial menopause is one of the methods of treating uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and bleeding. Artificial menopause is also considered to be surgery for partial or complete removal of the ovaries, uterus, side effects of chemotherapy or radiation exposure. The cessation of menstruation is temporary and reversible in most cases. Upon completion of the course of treatment, which most often lasts up to six months, menstruation resumes and the woman's body can function in a natural mode. Artificial menopause is a complex process, both physiologically and psychologically, therefore it requires maximum information and support for the patient, because treatment, and especially the exit from it, are a very difficult and uncomfortable period. So, what can cause the need for targeted intervention in the natural female cycle? Doctors call cancer the most common and global cause of bilateral ovarian removal. It can manifest itself in the endometrium, degeneration of the cervix or the ovaries themselves. Less dangerous culprits include uterine myoma, extensive purulent lesions of the appendages, and some forms of endometriosis. When the production of sex hormones is switched off, the foci of the disease atrophy and decrease. Artificial menopause is also included in IVF protocols due to the similarity of conditions. This method is undoubtedly not the most pleasant, but quite effective, it is prescribed for a period of 2-6 months. Periods of less than 60 days and more than 180 are considered inappropriate for treatment.
What is dangerous artificially caused stopping of sex hormones?
Natural menopause reduces levelsproduction of estrogens gradually, giving the body time to adapt to a new state, life without sex hormones. The artificial method implies a sharp drop in production: within 24 hours the amount of hormones drops to almost zero. The body simply does not have time to adapt, it gets stress, shock, and the woman has to face all the delights of postovariectomy. These symptoms are similar to menopause, but occur in a more severe form:
- tides, or, in a scientific way, vegetative crises,
- sleep disorder,
- headache,
- aggression or depressed mood,
- muscle and joint pain,
- a sharp decline in libido,
- dryness of the vaginal mucosa and, as a consequence, discomfort during sexual intercourse,
- change the condition of hair, nails, skin,
- Spreading spotting blood,
- reduction in the size of the gonads,
- urogenital pain,
- exacerbation of skin, nervous and cardiovascular diseases.
But don't be too afraid of the side effects.The above list is a summary of all possible manifestations in different patients. It is unlikely that you will have all the symptoms in full. But you should not underestimate the danger either. According to statistics, 60% of women experience severe artificial menopause, 26% experience moderate menopause, and 14% experience mild menopause. Please note that not all syndromes manifest themselves immediately. Doctors distinguish between early and late manifestations. Early manifestations include hot flashes and night sweats. They are typical for 70-80% of patients. Hot flashes can be isolated or frequent, up to 20-30 times a day. In 20% of women, the attacks disappear a year after surgery, while others may suffer from them for 3-5 or even more years. Women often experience headaches, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and “stars” before their eyes. Sharp mood swings, irritability and instability, sleep and appetite disturbances, rapid fatigue and decreased performance are possible.
Late symptoms
Later symptoms, which usuallyappear several months after surgery, skin aging refers to. Estrogens are not only sex hormones, they also affect the production of elastin and collagen, which give tone to our skin. A deficiency of these components reduces the elasticity of the skin, makes it dry and thin. Wrinkles appear, nails and hair become brittle. Estrogen deficiency also affects the functioning of the urinary tract. Without sex hormones, the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder becomes thinner, the ligaments and muscles of the perineum weaken, so many women complain of frequent urination, incontinence, pain and infections. Estrogens are also known for their cardioprotective effect: regulating glucose and cholesterol levels, preventing vascular spasms, preventing the formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques. Stopping estrogen production increases the incidence of vascular and heart disease by 2-4 times. After the operation, bone density decreases and calcium is washed out of the female body. Joint pain is possible, especially in the lumbar and thoracic spine. Patients often notice changes in the nature of fat deposition in the body: it often settles on the hips and buttocks, cellulite increases. Artificial menopause contributes to weight gain, although many doctors attribute this factor to a decrease in thyroid function, an increase in the amount of food consumed and a decrease in physical activity.
How to ease your condition?
A lot when leaving the artificialThe menopause period depends not only on the individual characteristics of the body or the age of the woman, but also on her psychological attitude and nervous state. Cheerfulness and a positive attitude will help you and your loved ones survive this difficult period with minimal losses, without disorders and pathologies. First of all, adjust your diet as much as possible in favor of proper and healthy nutrition. Eat more vegetables, fruits, cereals, and if you eat fats, then only healthy ones: fish, olive and other cold-pressed vegetable oils, high-quality dairy products. Avoid fast carbohydrates such as potatoes, white bread, and sweets. Drink more fluids, preferably clean water, not tea or coffee. Do not allow yourself to feel thirsty. Smoking and alcohol actively contribute to hot flashes, so it is better to give them up. Hot dishes, fried, smoked, spicy and fatty foods can also warm you up and throw you into a fever, so be careful. Hot flashes can also be caused by a hot drink, so drink a glass of cool water to relieve an attack of sweating and heat. Monitor your body, observe the cause-and-effect relationships, what is good for it, and what makes you feel worse. Try to avoid stress and do not be nervous, set aside time for pleasant and favorite activities: take a walk in the fresh air, read a book, watch your favorite movie, chat with friends and family. Fill your life with the most pleasant things to maintain a good mood and cheerfulness. You can do sports, but not weightlifting. Pilates, swimming, yoga, terrain cure - the most suitable.
Practical recommendations
Review your wardrobe.It is better to wear natural fabrics during this period, such as linen, silk, cotton. A good choice would be a multi-layered ensemble, with jackets, cardigans or blazers. During the hot flashes, you can easily take off excess clothing. Make sure that the clothing does not squeeze or restrict you, especially during sleep, since hot flashes tend to bother women at night. Put cotton linen on the bed, choose a comfortable blanket, ventilate the room before going to bed. Special humidifiers in the apartment will not be superfluous, especially if your skin is dry. It is better not to allow overheating, so do not lie in the bathroom for a long time, do not wrap yourself up unnecessarily. In this state, it is better to get a little chilled than to heat up. During this period, calcium and vitamin D3 preparations will be appropriate so that the former is better absorbed. If you are irritated by vaginal dryness, start using special lubricants during intercourse, focus on the romantic component: atmosphere, caresses, foreplay. If your emotional state is unstable, you can take soothing herbal remedies, such as valerian, motherwort and others based on them. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor. Keep in mind that all homeopathy has a cumulative effect and does not work immediately. Regular intake of such medications is of great importance, and not only in a tense and stressful environment. Be sure to take hormone replacement or phytoestrogen drugs that your doctor prescribes for you (Tsi-Klim, Divigel, Klimadinon, Proginova, Remens or others). After successful treatment, the reproductive function of the female body is restored. Usually, menstruation occurs 10-16 weeks after the last injection, but you should not blindly stick to the lines. They are individual for each woman, depending on age, body condition and many other factors. A relatively real hormone test is possible in a couple of months.
