Women’s stories

Thriving after her hysterectomy — without HRT

Penelope had suffered for years with severe endometriosis and abdominal scarring. The simplest tasks like walking and housework became acutely painful. She felt the endometriosis was taking over her life.

Penelope had undergone laparoscopic surgery several years ago to confirm the diagnosis, and even the recovery from that procedure had been agonizing — it took her weeks to get moving and eating again. That made her dread the hysterectomy that her doctors recommended. She tried everything short of surgery, including Depo/Lupron, a hormone-blocking medication that might shrink the endometriosis, but she felt no relief from the pain, and the hot flashes and side effects of the drug were severe.

This spring Penelope reluctantly agreed to have her hysterectomy. She feared a repeat of everything she had suffered with her laparoscopy — or worse! — so she began to research how to prepare for surgery. That’s when she found us.

Penelope learned about the vital role that nutrients play in her body’s endocrine function, and that with the appropriate support her body would be better able to heal and to balance her hormones naturally, even after her hysterectomy. She started her Personal Program some weeks before her surgery, including the supplements and dietary changes.

The hysterectomy was an intense experience for her doctor, who said removing the endometriosis scars was “like cutting concrete.” But Penelope was amazed at how good she felt after the surgery, and how fast she healed. She felt strong and healthy and was up and walking — and eating! — right away. Her doctor commented on how unbelievably fast she was recovering.

Penelope was thrilled at the contrast between her difficult recovery from her laparoscopy years before and the seemingly easy recovery from her complete hysterectomy. She attributed the change to the nutritional support she’s getting from the Program.

She’s also amazed that she still is experiencing no hot flashes or night sweats a month after her hysterectomy, just with the support of our Personal Program, and a soy drink she has every day that’s rich in soy isoflavones. She had expected to “crash” after the surgery unless she took estrogen. We discussed the merits of adding a bioidentical estrogen to the Personal Program until she reaches the age of 45, but Penelope feels so good she doesn’t think she really wants it. We promised to talk monthly as she completes her recovery.

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Last Modified: 02/16/2010