4 weeks ago I was told I needed a total hysterectomy and an oophorectomy (surgery to remove my ovaries).

It came as a huge shock.

Deep down I knew given my age (43), previous and current gynaecological issues it would one day be a possibility. I didn’t actually believe that day would come.

Zodalex & Menopause

As part of the preparation and ‘test’ work I was given my first of 3 zoladex implant injections.

Zoladex shuts down your ovaries and mimics menopause. Essentially it induces it.

I use the term ‘test’ work as this is to ‘test’ what will happen to me and my body over the next 3 months.

The truth is that they do not really know the outcome as there isn’t a huge amount of research. It is hugely underfunded, certainly when it comes to endometriosis.

In the leaflet it is said that the injection is generally well tolerated with minimal discomfort. I understand that if they were to write, THIS WILL BE PAINFUL, perhaps not many women would be as open to trying it. However, surely they realise that after the first one, you already know what the truth is.

Zodalex & Enometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb, starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Having endometriosis is the primary reason they have suggested an oophorectomy for me.

Zoladex is something I was offered many years ago after a lifetime living with endometriosis. But, I had declined due to my emotional instability and fears that I would become mentally unwell.

At the time when it was first offered I was told that the change in hormones does have the potential to cause depression and psychotic episodes.

It wasn’t a chance I was willing to take at the time.

It had taken me years working on myself and my emotional wellbeing. I decided to continue managing the pain I had come to accept as part of my life.

Chaos

I can only describe the past 4 weeks using Zodalex as complete internal chaos.

Chaos I know I wouldn’t have been equipped to handle all those years ago.

It feels like an alien has taken over my body.

• Hot sweats
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Itchy skin
• Insomnia
• Outbursts of high emotion and tears have all been my experiences so far.

But I’m a woman so this is just part of it right?

This is simply what we are to expect and accept as part of womanhood? What a treat!

Fear

It is completely natural to be scared about the unknown. Especially when the unknown involves your physical and emotional wellbeing.

As women, menopause is something we are to ‘expect’ at some point in our future. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel nervous or worried when it becomes imminent.

Acknowledge your fears and know that you are human and as humans we feel emotion and that it is ok.

Everything that is unknown can feel daunting. Reach out to friends, family and build your support system. Talk about your fears as this will help you to release them and help others in your circle know how you are feeling.

Around 8 in 10 women will experience some form of menopausal symptoms in their lifetime.

It is for this reason, I have decided to start my own personal blog. I hope it will offer some emotional support to our sisterhood of women.

In my next blog I am discussing insomnia and its impact. Something I know all too well at the minute.

If you have had any experience with zoladex or difficulties during menopause please comment below. Come and connect with me on Facebook or Instagram.

Together we can make a difference.

With Love