Choosing surgical treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is indeed a tough decision. You may have heard a lot of scaremongering stories about it. For some people who suffer from medication-resistant PMDD, surgery is the best way to get relief. And once you make the decision you need to be careful about your lifestyle since the surgery puts you into menopause. Even though it is not a scary situation, taking care of a few things will help you lead a normal life after the surgery.
PMDD And Surgery
A woman who has PMDD will have severe depression symptoms, tension, anxiety, and irritability before menstruation. As she shows a lack of interest in daily activities, it may affect the quality of her life. With panic attacks, trouble in sleeping, and binge eating, her life will go for a toss. The cause of PMDD is still unknown. However, many blame hormonal changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Even though there are effective ways to manage the symptoms, it may not work for some people. When the symptoms are very severe, surgical removal of ovaries and the uterus works better for them. With the surgery, a woman no longer has a menstrual cycle. Thus, it leads to early menopause. The symptoms of menopause may hit your normal life. Keep a few things in mind to increase the quality of your life after surgery for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Be Careful About Weight Gain
Well, menopause may not lead to weight gain. But, you may notice your shape changing. The weight gain around the waist and abdomen tend to increase after menopause. Even if there is no increase in your calorie intake, you may notice these changes. The psychological impact of it may derail your healthy eating habits. You may overeat or even ditch your exercise routine thinking it does not have any effect on your body. This will eventually lead to weight gain. Moreover, sleep disturbances that come with menopause may also contribute to weight gain. Stay active and fit – this should be your mantra.
Take Care Of Your Bone Health
Chances of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones, are higher as you enter menopause stage. Lack of estrogen after menopause is the main reason behind this. Instead of building new bones, your body will spend more time on bone resorption. Make sure that your body gets an adequate amount of calcium. Vitamin D also has a role to play as they help your body absorbs calcium. Include weight bearing exercise in your routine. You may also find hormone therapy (HT) useful in preventing or decreasing bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. However, HT is a controversial topic. Since it is associated with a lot of negative consequences, you need to consult your doctor.
Beware Of Heart Disease Risks
You may have heard that surgical treatment of PMDD is bad for your heart. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease risks rise for women after the onset of menopause. This does not mean menopause cause heart attacks. But, certain risk factors increase during menopause stage. Again, the decreased level of estrogen is believed to be the culprit here. Hence, it is vital for you to take stock of your health after the surgery. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy habits should be part of your life without any delay after the surgery.
Boost Your Sex Life
Many people are skeptical about their sex life. However, we don’t have a definite answer since the experience differs for everyone. Those who had a happy sex life before has not shown any major difference after the surgery. But the orgasmic feeling was different for a few. For some people, the reduction in the ovarian hormones may take a toll on their sex performance. Moreover, decreased estrogen may have a negative impact on your vaginal health. Your vagina will lack elasticity and lubrication. This may stop you from having a pleasant experience. Along with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), adding testosterone may help you improve your sex life.
Of course, treating PMDD with surgery is a big decision. You need to be aware of its pros and cons. It is best to talk to your doctor about all the aspects of surgery before you give a green signal.
