Menstrual Tips for Individuals Undergoing Surgery for Cancer

Cancer surgery, especially when it involves reproductive organs, can have a profound impact on the menstrual cycle. Whether the surgery is to remove a tumor or affected reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or uterus, menstrual changes are common. These changes may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent and type of surgery. Understanding what to expect and how to manage these changes can help you feel more prepared.

How Surgery Affects the Menstrual Cycle

Surgery that involves the removal of the ovaries, uterus, or other reproductive organs will have a direct impact on menstruation. For example, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) will result in the cessation of periods altogether. If only one ovary is removed, you may still have periods, but they may become irregular. Additionally, even surgeries not directly related to reproductive organs can lead to temporary menstrual disruptions due to the stress of surgery on the body.

Discuss Fertility Concerns Before Surgery

If surgery involves reproductive organs, it’s critical to discuss fertility with your oncologist or surgeon before the procedure. Surgery may reduce your fertility or, in the case of a hysterectomy, eliminate the possibility of carrying a pregnancy altogether.

Why Discuss Fertility?

Surgery that affects the ovaries or uterus can have lasting consequences for fertility. By addressing this before surgery, you can explore options such as egg or embryo freezing to preserve your ability to have children in the future. Acting before surgery ensures that your reproductive health is considered and gives you more control over your choices.

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist:

• How will this surgery affect my fertility or chances of carrying a pregnancy?

• Should I explore fertility preservation options before undergoing surgery?

• If I need a hysterectomy, what are my options for biological children in the future?

• What are the risks of early menopause after this surgery?

• Can I speak with a fertility specialist before the procedure?

If you have concerns about fertility or feel uncertain about your options, reach out to me for support. I can help you navigate these discussions and advocate for your reproductive health.

Managing Menstrual Symptoms After Surgery

After surgery, it’s important to focus on recovery while also managing any changes to your menstrual cycle. Here are a few tips to help:

• Rest and Recovery

  Surgery often leads to fatigue and discomfort. Allow yourself time to rest, and listen to your body’s needs as you recover.

• Pain Management

  If you continue to have periods after surgery, pain levels may change. Work with your doctor to manage any post-surgical pain, and ask about safe pain relief options for menstrual cramps.

• Monitor Your Cycle

  Keep track of any changes to your cycle after surgery, such as heavier or lighter periods, and communicate these changes with your healthcare provider.

• Emotional Support

  Surgical recovery, coupled with menstrual changes, can be overwhelming. Consider talking to a counselor or joining a support group to manage stress and emotional well-being.

Curious to learn more?

Book: The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy: Advice from a Gynecologist on Your Choices Before, During, and After Surgery by Lauren F. Streicher

• This book provides comprehensive information on how surgery, particularly hysterectomies, impacts reproductive health, menstrual cycles, and fertility. It’s a great resource for understanding surgical procedures and their effects on menstruation.

Coming Up!

For the next 2 weeks, we’ll be diving into how menstrual cycles are impacted by various cancer treatments, immunotherapy, and clinical trials, along with tips to help manage these changes.

As we delve deeper into how cancer treatment affects menstruation in future blog posts, stay tuned for a detailed look in October 2024 at how cancer impacts individual hormones.