If I’ve had a hysterectomy, do I need HRT?

Ask Emily — hormone replacement therapy

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

It depends on your age, what type of hysterectomy you had and why, and how you feel. With a partial hysterectomy only part of the uterus is removed, and the ovaries remain intact, so you may not feel the need for any hormonal supplementation. A complete or total hysterectomy refers to the removal of the cervix and uterus, while the ovaries may or may not be removed. Even if the ovaries are not removed, pelvic surgery can change the blood flow and function of the ovaries, and they may decrease or cease hormone production. In this case, and in women who have had their ovaries removed, the body usually enters a state called “surgical menopause.” Again, depending upon the woman’s age and her symptoms, this can oftentimes require some hormonal supplementation. If you have had your ovaries removed at a young age (younger than age 45), we generally recommend supplementation with bioidentical hormones until your body would normally taper its estrogen production, around age 45 to 50.

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Our Personal Program is a great place to start

The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.

To learn more about the Program, go to How the Personal Program works.
To select the Program that's right for your symptoms, go to Choose the plan that works for you.
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Last Modified: 04/18/2011