Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is defined as the surgical removal of the vital organ called the uterus. There are 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States every year.

There are two types of hysterectomy, the partial hysterectomy and the total hysterectomy. In a partial hysterectomy, the uterus is removed and the ovaries are left in place. In a total hysterectomy or "surgical menopause", the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed which results in the interruption of the ovarian hormone production.  The medical term for the removal of the ovaries is castration. 73% of women are castrated during hysterectomy.

After a hysterectomy (surgically induced menopause), hormone production is permanently altered causing hormone imbalance and a woman will experience the same menopause side effects, even if the ovaries are left intact.  The ovaries will cease functioning after 1-3 years because of lack of blood supply.  Women who have had a hysterectomy are at increased risk for developing heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.

After a hysterectomy, women will experience a deficiency of two critical hormones — progesterone and testosterone. If only the uterus is removed in a partial hysterectomy, progesterone levels will fall dramatically in one to two months and estrogen levels will decrease in one or two years. Progesterone deficiency is related to numerous side effects such as increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, including endometrial cancer. Testosterone deficiency in women causes low sex drive, low energy levels, thyroid deficiency and depression, for which there is no clear medical explanation.

Women who enter menopause as a result of a hysterectomy should monitor their estrogen (estradiol), progesterone and testosterone levels.  Since a hysterectomy creates a deficiency of vital hormones in the woman's body, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy should be considered.   Using synthetic hormones comes with additional risks and side effects.

Hysterectomy is a permanent, irreversible surgery that will likely result in unwanted side effects. Unless malignant cancer or other life-threatening condition exists, instead of hysterectomy, consider natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to treat fibroids, endometriosis and other conditions related to hormone imbalance. Read all you can and learn more about what to expect after a hysterectomy and effective alternative treatments that may be better for your health.