OK, so here's my story. I recently gave birth and because of complications, I had to have a hysterectomy. I am starting to really feel the emotional changes now and am in need of some support.
Of course, my husband supports me but I was hoping to find someone who is going thru or went thru menopause to help me because they would better know what I am feeling and going thru.
Do you know of any support groups around this area?

I do have Tricare but would rather not see a doctor because they will only try to put me on medication and I am trying not to go that route. Thanks! 

Good luck without the meds... what you are going thru is a big deal, crazy change happening in your body. Its tough to just get thru it on your own. I dont know of any groups, because I havent looked yet... but I'm also suffering from the change. (Stupid early meno runs in my family) 

Oh girl I feel for you. Though I applaud your want to do this med free. But, you should see a doctor. While, they don't need to put you on a crazy amount of meds, Hormone replacements will help you amazingly. Some times it takes a while to get them at a right level they will really help. And if you are on them already, maybe you should talk to your dr about changing your dose. 

I wasn't put on any meds after the surgery. Just packed up and sent home with my baby. None of the nurses or doctors explained to me what I would be going thru.
I called my mom this morning and she explained a great deal to me (she's experienced it) and told me about support groups.
Thank you both for responding. I think I will make a doc appt and ask about hormones. I just hate to take meds. :( 

Did you have a full or partial hystercomy? 

I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago. I had one ovary so they left it. I am going to a GYN finally after struggling with my PCM to understand. The PCM ran all kinds of blood work because of symptoms including hormone panels and he tried to tell me they were normal. I insisted that I had never had these thing happen and if my hormones were 'normal' then why am I getting flashes, being tired, sore boobs etc. He put me on vitamins. (eye roll) Took me going back 4 times to get my referral. Magically I go to the GYN who was very upset PCM didn't do more once he pulled up my bloodwork he said that my estrogen WAS low. I don't like going to the dr. but he gave me "the works" and I have to go for an u/s next week cause my one ovary is triple the size it should be.... I go back for results end of the month. Please don't just 'deal' with the symptoms. They could be telling you something is wrong and it may not be menopause. 

I had a partial hysterectomy. I am getting hot flashes, bouts of wanting to cry my eyes out for no reason, and this awful urge to run away from everyone. I feel scared at times for no reason and my anxiety is thru the roof! 

had a partial hysterectomy. I am getting hot flashes, bouts of wanting to cry my eyes out for no reason, and this awful urge to run away from everyone. I feel scared at times for no reason and my anxiety is thru the roof!


Given the fact you still have your ovaries you should not experience menopause. The ovaries produce the hormones not your uterus. If you are young they leave the ovaries for that very reason. You will have a hormone imbalance due to the surgery but you should be feeling better soon. Not to mention you also had a baby, your hormones are out of whack from that too. I hope you are feeling better soon.



Hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus ONLY, the ovaries are not removed with a hysterectomy. Ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen, the female hormone. Since the ovaries are kept in place in a hysterectomy, they will continue to make estrogen in women who have not entered menopause, regardless of the presence of the uterus. It is estrogen from ovaries, not the uterus, that is responsible for preventing menopause or the change of life.

A women who undergoes a hysterectomy and keeps her ovaries will continue to produce estrogen and ovulate, but will not menstruate or be able to become pregnant on her own. If desired, a women who has had a hysterectomy can produce eggs for in vitro fertilization procedures using a surrogate uterus (another woman to carry the pregnancy). It is important to understand that not having menstrual cycles does not mean your ovaries are no longer making estrogen or that you are no longer female. Removal of the uterus simply eliminates the effect of estrogen on the uterus; estrogen is continually produced if the ovaries are in place, and you will not go into menopause.


Hysterectomy Facts 

I had a full hysterectomy at 29. I was sent home with no meds, thenat 6 months post op my dreams and hotflashes were so bad I oPted for them. After a few months on them and a large weight gain I weened myself off them. Im so glad I did. I feel so much better without them. Im 6 year post op and dont have any issues, no hot flashes nothing. There is a great forum called hystersister or something to that affect. Lots of great info and support. 

Thank you for that information, so could I be experiencing postpartum depression? I sincerely hope not, I'm dealing as best as I can with everything, however, I did read up on it and I don't seem to be having most of the symptoms that postpartum describes... I'll be 31 in November, I guess I can still call myself young :) I kinda like that idea :D 

Thank you Torri for the information on that forum, I'm looking it up now 

Hystersisters is great!