My hysterectomy; snip snip hoover

From Chemical Menopause to Hysterectomy: Life After PMDD

After 18 months on a chemical menopause and HRT, I reached a point where things just weren’t working anymore. My three-monthly injection wasn’t lasting the full cycle—I could feel the effects of PMDD creeping back in at 10 weeks, leaving me with two to three weeks of depression, anxiety, sadness, and exhaustion. It felt like I was back to square one.

I started questioning whether my HRT was right, but my GP wasn’t giving me the reassurance or answers I needed. I spoke to friends and family, sought advice from health stores like Holland & Barrett, but still felt lost. Then, someone suggested looking into a private menopause specialist—someone who truly understood HRT, PMDD, and hysterectomy options.

Living in Chelmsford, I knew Springfield’s Ramsay Hospital was the place to start. Within two weeks, I had an appointment with Mr. Kalkur, who listened to my journey and reassured me that, despite previous advice, my HRT could be adjusted to suit me. However, after reviewing my history, he explained that my chemical menopause wasn’t lasting as it should and that, for some people, these treatments lose effectiveness over time. The best long-term solution? A hysterectomy.

Making the Decision for a Hysterectomy

We discussed a full hysterectomy, including the removal of my ovaries, and he referred me back to the NHS. The thought of another year or two of struggling with chemical menopause injections, endless prescription pickups, and the emotional rollercoaster of PMDD was overwhelming. I had already started dreading my three-month cycle—waiting for symptoms to return, chasing prescriptions, and arranging injections while barely holding myself together.

Thankfully, my husband had taken out private health insurance for me when my mental health started spiralling, and I was able to get my hysterectomy booked. Within three months, I was in surgery on 5th October 2024 for my ‘snip snip hoover’ (as I like to call it)!

The Reality of Hysterectomy Recovery

Waking up after surgery, I felt groggy but positive. The hospital staff were incredible, and despite the inevitable discomfort, I was ready for this next step. One surprise was the intense shoulder pain—no one warns you that trapped gas from surgery can travel there! My belly was swollen, filled with the air used during the procedure, making me look about eight months pregnant.

Returning home the next day, my husband drove more carefully than ever, as every tiny bump hurt. The first week was a blur of rest, sleep, and slow recovery. Hubby helped me shower, navigate the stairs, and made sure I ate. I felt weak and drained, but emotionally, I was still feeling hopeful.

Ten days post-op, I removed my dressings and had a complete meltdown in the shower. The sight of my incisions (tiny but swollen) made me feel overwhelmed. My husband reassured me it was just swelling and that they would heal beautifully. Now, looking back, I see how small they are—two on either side of my tummy, one through my belly button, and one near my C-section scar.

Setbacks, Swelly Belly & Learning to Slow Down

As my recovery progressed, I started getting out a little, meeting friends for coffee, even though it completely exhausted me. I discovered the fun of ‘swelly belly’—the unpredictable post-hysterectomy bloating that flares up when you do too much. By week three, I faced another hurdle: an infection. I felt pain after urinating, but it wasn’t the typical burning of a UTI. My sister recognized the symptoms, and after two rounds of antibiotics, I thought I was on the mend. But one night at 3 AM, I woke up in full-body pain, freezing cold and unable to sleep. A trip to A&E revealed that the infection had spread, requiring IV antibiotics and hours of tests.

After another week of rest, I finally started feeling like myself again. My incisions healed, the swelling reduced, but I was still utterly exhausted.

Returning to Life After Hysterectomy

Six weeks post-op, I returned to work. As a self-employed hairdresser, taking time off wasn’t easy—especially leading into the Christmas rush. My clients were amazing, coming in with wet hair, leaving with minimal maintenance cuts, all understanding my limits. It was tough, but by mid-December, I finally hit a turning point—I felt like me again.

Then, something amazing happened. No PMDD. No peaks, no crashes. Just me.

By January, I was back to walking the dogs, doing housework, and feeling more in control. My scars faded, my swelly belly mostly disappeared (unless I overdid it), and aside from some mild muscle aches, I felt incredible.

Life After PMDD – A New Chapter

Four months after my hysterectomy, I can confidently say it was the best decision for me. PMDD no longer controls my life, and my HRT is finally working well. Mr. Kalkur continues to support me in fine-tuning my dosage, but overall, I feel great.

If you’re struggling with PMDD, chemical menopause, or considering a hysterectomy, know that you’re not alone. It’s a tough journey, but for me, it was 100% worth it would I do it again? Absolutely.

Not only is there no PMDD but also no surprise periods, no more Smear tests, no more normal pmt or planing life around periods.

#Menopause #Hysterectomy #PMDD #ChemicalMenopause #HRT #SurgicalMenopause #MenopauseSupport