Hysterectomy and Menopause, How Will I know?

Ask Dr. Jen

I am a 57 year old female who had a hysterectomy 17 years ago. My doctor says that my hormone levels do not indicate that I am in menopause. I find that hard to believe.

-Instagram

Short Take

You are almost certainly menopausal and blood work to tell whether you are or are not is not indicated.

Tell Me More

Menopause starts with the final menstrual period or FMP. As you can’t tell if it is your final period until some time has passed so you are sure it is your final one, medically we say menopause has occurred when you are one year from your final menstrual period. 

Okay, that’s great, but what if you have had a hysterectomy?