Treating hysterectomy hot flashes
Fortunately, there are ways, both prescribed and natural, that can help you manage hot flashes after a hysterectomy. Here are a few of the most common and effective:
Hormone replacement therapy
Depending on your age, lifestyle, and the reason you have had a hysterectomy, your doctor may advise you to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This treatment replaces some of the hormones your ovaries would have produced to relieve your hot flashes and some of the other symptoms of menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by up to 80%. However, it’s not suitable for everyone and has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer for women with a family history of the disease. It’s also not recommended in women with liver disease, or those at a higher risk of diseases such as heart attacks, breast cancer, strokes, or blood clots.
Your doctor will be able to advise you whether HRT is appropriate for you.
Hypnotherapy
For women who can’t take HRT or would prefer not to take HRT, hypnotherapy is one of the most effective non-hormonal management tools currently available. It’s been shown to reduce hot flashes by up to 80% and can come with some welcome side effects such as improved quality of sleep, and reduced anxiety.
Hypnotherapy is a technique that involves focused relaxation techniques, and cooling visualizations to help you manage your internal temperature controls.
While hypnotherapy can be done in-person with a qualified therapist, it is now possible to have hot flashes hypnotherapy sessions delivered to you in the comfort of your home through an app.
Lifestyle changes
Your overall health and lifestyle can also influence the frequency and intensity of your post-hysterectomy hot flashes.
Some simple changes before and after surgery may help reduce your symptoms.
Cut down or quit smoking: Smoking has been shown to worsen symptoms of menopause, as well as increase the risk of diseases that become more prevalent post-menopause, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
Dietary supplements: such as black cohosh, ginseng, dong quai may offer limited benefits for reducing hot flashes in some women. However, the evidence supporting the use of many of these herbal supplements is inconclusive.
The Wrap Up
Women who undergo hysterectomy may experience surgical menopause. Others may start menopause within five years of their surgery. Hot flashes are twice as likely for women who have undergone a hysterectomy and they can be more frequent and intense than for women experiencing natural menopause. Thankfully there are options available to help manage hot flashes after a hysterectomy including hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, and hypnotherapy.
References
Jacoby, V.L., 2014. Hysterectomy controversies: ovarian and cervical preservation. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 57(1), pp.95-105. https://journals.lww.com/clinicalobgyn/Abstract/2014/03000/Hysterectomy_Controversies__Ovarian_and_Cervical.9.aspx
Stein, R.A., Chang, C.Y., Kazmin, D.A., Way, J., Schroeder, T., Wergin, M., Dewhirst, M.W. and McDonnell, D.P., 2008. Estrogen-related receptor α is critical for the growth of estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer. Cancer research, 68(21), pp.8805-8812. https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/68/21/8805.short
Mavaddat, N., Antoniou, A.C., Easton, D.F. and Garcia-Closas, M., 2010. Genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. Molecular oncology, 4(3), pp.174-191. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20542480/
Gaudet, M.M., Gapstur, S.M., Sun, J., Teras, L.R., Campbell, P.T. and Patel, A.V., 2014. Oophorectomy and hysterectomy and cancer incidence in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(6), pp.1247-1255. https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/FullText/2014/06000/Oophorectomy_and_Hysterectomy_and_Cancer_Incidence.15.aspx
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