They Removed My Ovaries & This Is What Happened

Surgical menopause can happen in a single day—but its physical and emotional impact may last far beyond the recovery from surgery. In this personal Tea & Truth episode, Lynne shares her experience of having a hysterectomy at 39 while retaining her ovaries, followed years later by surgery to remove them after extensive adhesions caused them to become wrapped around her small intestine. She explains why a hysterectomy doesn't always cause immediate menopause, what makes surgical menopause different from natural menopause, and why women deserve much more preparation and follow-up support than a brief warning about hot flashes. In This Episode Lynne discusses: The difference between a hysterectomy and surgical menopause What happened after her hysterectomy at 39 Why her ovaries later had to be removed Why surgical menopause can feel so sudden and intense Physical, cognitive, sexual, and emotional symptoms women may experience The grief and identity changes that can accompany surgery Why the age at which the ovaries are removed matters Hormonal and nonhormonal options to discuss with a provider Bone, heart, muscle, vaginal, urinary, and emotional health Practical lifestyle foundations that support long-term wellness Questions to ask before and after ovary-removal surgery Why advocating for informed, individualized care matters Surgical menopause isn't simply natural menopause arriving a little early. When both ovaries are removed, hormone levels can change abruptly, leaving some women to recover from major surgery while simultaneously adjusting to significant physical and emotional changes. Whether your surgery is approaching, happened years ago, or you're supporting someone you love, this episode will help you better understand the experience—and remind you that you deserve information, choices, and compassionate support. Grab Your Companion Guide to This Episode: This practical, printable guide is designed for women who are preparing for ovary-removal surgery, newly navigating surgical menopause, or still searching for answers years later. Inside, you'll find: Questions to ask before and after surgery A simple surgical menopause symptom tracker Space to record medications, supplements, and health history Appointment notes and a personalized next-step plan Gentle reminders to help you advocate for informed, individualized care You don't need to ask every question or have everything figured out. This guide simply helps you organize what matters most and walk into your appointment feeling more prepared. 👉 Grab Your Guide >HERE Join The Energized Healthy Women's Club Imagine not having to "figure out midlife" on your own anymore. 💜 If you're craving real support, practical solutions, and honest conversation, come join The Energized Healthy Women's Club—Lynne's private community for women who want to feel healthier, lighter, and more confident in midlife. Inside, we talk about hormones, energy, sleep, stress, weight, belly bloat, sugar cravings, recipes, perimenopause, menopause, headaches, and more—so you can feel supported and truly not alone in this season. 👉Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Schedule a Gentle Conversation: If you'd like a gentle chat about your wellness goals and possible next steps, schedule time with Lynne here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Connect With Lynne: Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynne-wadsworth Did You Enjoy the Podcast? If this episode helped you feel informed, understood, or less alone, please follow Living Life Naturally and leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio. Your review helps more women find these honest midlife conversations—and it means more than you know. Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and isn't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice. Surgical menopause, hormone therapy, and nonhormonal treatments require personalized medical guidance. Always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare provider regarding your symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment options.