Tubal Ligation: Know the Risks that Doctors May Not Tell You
A woman who underwent tubal ligation surgery suddenly suffers from severe menstrual irregularities and painful PMS symptoms.
Case #:1161
Concern：
I read your answers regarding tubal ligation. If these problems are truly the result of a tubal, then why are patients not informed before the surgery? We are asked to sign consent forms and state that we have been informed of the risks, but the doctors NEVER tell us these potential complications. Does a reversal really help (as I have read elsewhere)? If it is the blood supply that is compromised, then how does a reversal correct that problem? I had a tubal three months ago, and now I feel like I am going crazy!
Discussion：
I have never had PMS or troublesome periods, but now I feel like I am suffering these symptoms all month, even when not bleeding. Also, I have only had one very short and light period since I gave birth three months ago.) I don't want to take drugs and deal with more side effects!
Many women who undergo tubal ligation sterilization are not informed of the chance that they may suffer from post tubal ligation syndrome after the surgery. The reason is because some doctors believe that PTLS is a myth, or a combination of unrelated issues, such as age, postpartum depression, or other influences known to cause hormonal disturbances.
The Science Behind It
However, research and former tubal ligation patients offer evidence that PTLS is indeed real. For many women, the surgery is a safe and effective approach to permanent sterilization, but for the few who develop PTLS symptoms or ectopic pregnancies as a direct result of tubal ligation, that couldn't be further from the truth.
In addition to the possibility of decreasing the normal blood supply to the ovaries and uterus, tubal ligation may cause PTLS by destroying receptor cells that the ovaries use to transmit hormones, such as estrogen. This destruction can cause an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, an imbalance common with irregular menstrual cycles and painful PMS symptoms.
The body relies on hormones to regulate the processes of menstruation and ovulation, and uses adjustments in hormone ratios to initiate major transformations, such as halting menstruation during pregnancy. It is possible that your menstrual irregularities and prolonged PMS symptoms are the result of hormonal upset caused by the surgery.
Suggestions for Recovery
Selecting the right treatment will depend on knowing what sort of hormone imbalance, if any, you are suffering from. There is a bevy of tests that doctors can perform to find out if your estrogen and progesterone levels are out of harmony.
If you are considering a tubal ligation reversal, I would encourage you to find a licensed medical professional (one who acknowledges the possibility that tubal ligation can cause PTLS) to give you more information about the procedure and advice as to whether or not it is likely to help you. That information depends on your unique medical circumstances.
The good news is you may be able to gain greater control of the PMS symptoms you are experiencing without taking powerful drugs or undergoing another surgery. A variety of herbal medicines and folk remedies help control PMS symptoms and boost the body's natural ability to regulate the menstrual cycle. (SEE: Natural PMS Symptom Fighter Remedy) Depending on the nature of your hormone imbalance, you may find that herbs and minerals such as Wild Yam, Dong Quai and Magnesium alleviate some of the symptoms.
What to do
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