Greetings - I am new to Power Surge and have greatly appreciated reading your wonderful word s of support and collective wisdom regarding weathering the peri-menopausal and menopausal tidal waves. I am hoping that one or more of you can provide guidance for me ...

For 2 decades and have suffered with terrible migraines. In my 30s - 40s - I experienced approx 5-12 headaches per month. My neurologist prescribed Imitrex and Frova, which helped when I'd catch the migraines in time, yet otherwise, I found it best to "gut them" out (to prevent rebound headaches). Although it wasn't ideal, I found a way to make it work and really have enjoyed life! About 7 years ago I experienced my first hot flash, along with the other fun peri-menopausal symptoms. I am now in my 50s and hoping that menopause is just around the corner, and although I still get migraines (following brief menstrual periods), they are less infrequent (2-3 times per month) and less painful.

I have read research which suggests that migraines are more likely to decline in frequency and duration when women do not have a hysterectomy (in fact, some studies found that migraines became more severe after hysterectomies). I have spoken with a number of older, wise women who used to have migraines (and they have successfully made it over to the other end of the menopausal tunnel) and these women keep saying "don't take out your uterus and don't take hormones - you'll just prolong the migraines." So ... based on that info ... I never planned to take hormones nor get a hysterectomy.

Well, something new has come up and I thought I would pose this question to you all ... I was recently diagnosed with a uterine prolapse (uncomfortable when walking and exercising). My MD stated that I will some need surgery and one of the options is a hysterectomy or a uterine suspension (keep uterus - just suture up ligaments to uterine wall). Does anyone have any thoughts about what you might do if you were in my shoes?

I had a prolapse and opted for a hysterectomy. From what I had read, the suspension can be done, but the prolapse often reoccurs and I didn't want to have to have more than one surgery. So out it came (I kept my ovaries) and I also had some other prolapse repairs at the same time.

I don't have migraines, I do have MS. The hysterectomy seemed to have no effect on my pre-existing condition. Since I kept my ovaries I haven't had to take HRT. So, for me, I'm glad I had it done. Prolapses can get profoundly worse very quickly, but you might want to try a pessary if you are opposed to the surgery. Also try not to lift anything if you have a prolapse, it can make it worse. There are some exercises that can help strengthen your pelvic floor, for me they didn't work (My surgeon said that the MS might have been a contributing factor to the weakened muscles.) That's the other suggestion, if you are thinking about have prolapse surgery, see a urogynecologist, they specialize in pelvic floor issues.

Best of luck in your decision.

Thanks so much for your input. I am glad to hear that this procedure worked well for you. I was diagnosed over a year ago and faithfully did my kegel exercises 3-6 times daily. It turns out we have something else in common - the exercises didn't help me either. My worst fear is that the hysterectomy will do a number on my current (yet declining) estrogen levels, which according to research, suggests that migraines get worse with hysterectomies and will result in "locking in" my recurring migraines for 3-12 days per month for the rest of my life. Any additional thoughts are welcome ...

I like wise have a prolapse, actually three. No surgeries. May I suggest googling 'whole woman' and enjoy the read. It is a sight for women who have prolapses and what they have done - most without surgical intervention and it lies primarily in ones posture. The ligaments are no longer able to support the pelvic organs, thus the prolapses. The ideal posture is when you back against a wall and makes sure your tushi, heels, shoulder and back of head touch. That will help alleviate back problems and actually keep the prolapses from getting worse. Hope this helps.