I had a hysterectomy in 2009. My ovaries were removed but I did not receive HRT after the operation. I am now suffering from headaches, sweats, shaking, dizziness, bloating, breast pains, bladder problems, and vaginal dryness. I vomit at least once a week and I've had aches and pains in my limbs. I feel as though I am on cloud 9 most of the time. Am I going through the change?

If you had your ovaries removed you would normally go into an almost immediate menopause.  In this case most women are usually offered HRT, unless it is inappropriate for their condition.

However, a hysterectomy can put tremendous strain on the body generally and it can be very difficult to recover from this, especially if you didn't have HRT.

The stress of the operation can affect the nervous system dramatically causing what is called Adrenal Fatigue.

This gives rise to symptoms very similar to menopause ones, such as hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, low mood etc.

In this situation, it is very important to do supportive work for the adrenals such as a high strength multi-vitamin with extra magnesium.

Liquorice tea can be helpful as well.

I would also suggest acupuncture as it can be very effective for adrenal stress.

Studies have shown that daily relaxation can reduce symptoms quickly so make 30 minutes relaxation a day a priority.

Check your diet too - avoid caffeine, and high salt and sugar foods as these can all trigger the adrenals contributing to symptoms.

Low iron and low thyroid can also cause similar symptoms so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these if they haven't done so already.

Eileen Durward