Dr. Malhotra said that she does not anticipate chest numbness impacting her sexually. Due to her total hysterectomy, she went into surgical menopause overnight, and she's instead more worried about that affecting sex. "I have been on a transdermal estrogen patch since surgery and have not experienced any symptoms of menopause, so that is reassuring for my sexual health," she added, noting that she and her husband discussed the anticipated numbness and changes with menopause at length before her surgery.
An important part of coming to terms with her surgery was letting herself grieve, especially beforehand. "I wrote a letter to my breasts, ovaries, and uterus before surgery, ending it by saying, 'Thank you, I will carry on your legacy with the two beautiful miracles you created for our family,'" Dr. Malhotra explained. This was cathartic.
"I would encourage women to pay close attention to what inspires them and brings them joy to cultivate more of that in their life," Dr. Malhotra said. For her, that's gratitude journaling and surrounding herself with a tribe of positive people.
In terms of navigating a flat chest, Dr. Malhotra stopped wearing push-up bras several months prior to surgery and invested in some "sexy lacy bralettes and backless tops" to see what her body would look like. Now, she said she has fun going back into her closet and seeing what clothes work.
