Hysterectomy & alternatives
Post hysterectomy symptoms and ovarian function in women
by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP
Over half the women who undergo hysterectomy but retain their ovaries will experience
symptoms of hormonal imbalance, even though they still have ovarian function. This
is because the ovaries and the uterus share their blood supply, and post-hysterectomy
ovarian function is often negatively affected.
Women who have an oophorectomy (as in a TAH/BSO, in which the uterus and the ovaries
are removed) enter menopause overnight. They are often put immediately on synthetic
HRT, and in many cases still suffer symptoms of menopause.
Whether you have had a
partial hysterectomy, a
total hysterectomy, or a
total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, we make several key
recommendations to support your body through this transition. They are all based
on the fact that your body can restore its hormonal balance over time, partly by
developing secondary sites for estrogen production, which it would naturally do
in a gradual menopause.
- First, consider phytotherapy. Several herbs, including black cohosh, red clover,
chasteberry and ashwagandha provide natural, gentle support for the three key hormones
that fluctuate after a hysterectomy: estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Some
of these herbs work best synergistically, so we recommend you use a
multibotanical that offers natural and diversified support.
- Young women who undergo early surgical menopause benefit from bioidentical estrogen
replacement therapy, which can be used until the time of natural menopause (age
45–55) or longer if so desired.
- For women with persistent hot flashes we also recommend using soy isoflavones at
the Japanese nutritional dosage of 80 mg a day.
Soy derived from the whole bean (vs. the germ) is preferable and is available
in powder or pill form.
- Finally, we also recommend the use of a pharmaceutical-grade multivitamin, calcium
and magnesium, and omega–3 essential fatty acids. Our
Personal Program offers the same formula of supplements that we use
at our clinic in a convenient at-home version.
This basic program is usually extremely beneficial, along with dietary changes like
decreasing carbohydrate intake, to alleviate many of the symptoms women often experience
after having a partial or total hysterectomy.
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.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at
1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.
Last Modified Date: 04/20/2011
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP