Choosing Surgery: Real Life Experience and Clinical Evidence for the Benefit of

Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (BSO)

Ovulation Cycle

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone, also referred to as P4, is a steroid hormone that plays a role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the formation of embryos.

Recent studies show that women with PMDD have an increased sensitivity to this particular hormone and experience increased activity in the emotional center of the brain.

Much like some people drink alcohol and

become happy while others become angry

and violent.

Allergy vs. Intolerance

body's immune system responds to a substance and causes adverse health effects (allergy)

doesn't involve an immune reaction - an adverse effect (intolerance)

Progesterone Intolerance Symptoms

depression

tiredness

loss of libido

irritability

breast discomfort

and more

What may work

oral contraceptives

added progesterone

SSRIs

What may not work

oral contraceptives

added progesterone

SSRIs

what will work

total hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, tubes, and ovaries

96% of women who underwent

a total abdominal

hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-

oophorectomy (TAH/BSO) to treat "severe PMS" were extremely

satisfied with the results.

TAH/BSO

both ovaries

both tubes

cervix

womb

Preparing for Surgery

Research

Peer Support

Therapy

Gynecological Surgeon

Insurance

Recovery Plan

Types of Surgery

What to Expect

Lots of opinions

Fear

Uncertainty

Skepticism

Self-doubt

Excitement

Hope

Recovery

Nothing over 10 lbs (gallon of milk)

Laparoscopic 4-6 weeks

Abdominal 6-8 weeks

Crushing Fatigue

Adhesions

Have Patience! You only get one chance to heal.

Be Prepared

Plan for and ask for help

“Bumps” - PMDD like symptoms

Phantom Cycles

Mixed Emotions

Emotional Recovery

Layers of Healingphysical

emotional

treating underlying conditions

Now What?

HRT

Surgical Menopause

Self Discovery

Relearning Habits

Coping Skills

Advocacy

“My brain and my ovaries are at war. We can’t remove my brain”

– PMDD Survivor

Become a member at napmdd.org to view the accompanying video for this

presentation.