Women may feel that surgery is the only choice but in a lot of cases, there are other options. Many women have great success with alternatives to hysterectomy and even when surgery is required, new techniques are often much less invasive than they used to be.

It’s likely that you already know women who’ve had hysterectomies — about a third of American women have one by age 60. For some it is a relatively easy experience, but for others the aftermath of surgical menopause is made worse by severe hormonal symptoms and eventual dependence on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Since hysterectomy is considered elective surgery for some women, they are sometimes unprepared for the debilitating after-effects.

If you are faced with this decision, you will want to weigh the benefits versus the risks of hysterectomy with your practitioner, in light of your own health history. The more you know, particularly about alternatives, new technology and procedures, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right choice.

Before you have a hysterectomy: understand the basics

The uterus, or womb, is a pelvic organ suspended by ligaments between the bladder and rectum and connected to the vagina with the cervix.

The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. The uterus can be positioned toward the front or back of the pelvis (anteverted or retroverted). The lining, or endometrium, of the uterus swells with each menstrual cycle — becoming engorged in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg. The body sheds this lining with a menstrual period if that doesn’t happen. If implantation does occur, the uterus expands for nine months to accommodate the fetus’s growth, then shrinks back to size after delivery and the process starts all over.

This process is orchestrated by the complex crosstalk between your sex hormones — mostly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Before menopause, your ovaries produce most of your body’s estrogen and progesterone. This is important to think about when considering a hysterectomy because of what may happen when any of those organs is removed.

If you have been struggling for years with heavy bleeding or painful fibroids, it may seem simpler to have all your reproductive organs removed. But we urge you to get more information first. That’s because we now know that often, total hysterectomy, including removal of the ovaries, leaves many women feeling wrecked due to loss of their natural ovarian hormones. So if you have a choice about having a hysterectomy, ensure that the most recent information and insight about hysterectomy are being applied to your case. Even if this is met with resistance by your doctor you should probably seek a second opinion prior to being scheduled for hysterectomy surgery.

Common reasons for elective hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the second-most common major surgery performed on women in the United States. Each year, more than 600,000 women undergo hysterectomy with a conservative estimate that between 20–30% of them are medically unnecessary.

There are several reasons why women are advised to consider an elective hysterectomy. The most common are heavy bleeding, large fibroids, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, and other endometrium issues. Some women want a hystectomy to be more comfortable, or they have a prolapsed uterus, a condition in which the pelvic organs drop. But it’s different with more serious indications, including cancers of the uterus or ovaries. These conditions merit immediate surgery. In these relatively rare cases, a woman does not truly have a choice and hysterectomy is a life-saving solution, offering reassurance and peace of mind.

But most women may want to consider their options before scheduling surgery.

Heavy bleeding

Conventional medicine brands heavy bleeding as “dysfunctional uterine bleeding” because it’s assumed that the loss of blood is not healthy and serves no purpose for a woman. However, the body, as part of a natural process, is trying to do what it is supposed to: shed the uterine lining. And it’s also true sometimes that what is dysfunctional for one person may not be for another

Often, environmental and lifestyle factors affect our hormones and send the uterus mixed messages. These can, for example, lead to a state of estrogen dominance or cause the menstrual cycle to be out of sync, leading to overall hormonal imbalance. Tuning in and paying attention to what your body needs can restore balance naturally.

Even with the best efforts, it can take several months for a woman to restore balance. Heavy bleeding is miserable and uncomfortable, with the added nuisance of having to change pads or tampons frequently, wash extra bed sheets and limit and time activities around heavy flow. When women in this situation ask for a hysterectomy, most doctors in America will say yes. But usually, surgery shouldn’t be the first or even the second option for heavy bleeding. No matter what, bleeding eventually stops — when a woman goes through menopause.

Heavy bleeding often occurs around perimenopause and in many cases can be effectively addressed with many natural measures before pursuing surgery. In most cases, a woman with dysfunctional uterine bleeding can try surgical intervention such as “medical management” of dysfunctional bleeding before “surgical management.” This cautious approach is generally safe, as long as the lining of the uterus has been appropriately evaluated with an endometrial biopsy or D&C if necessary, and as long as the red blood count remains adequate.

Many women with heavy bleeding get excellent results by using high-dose bioidentical progesterone, as creams or oral tablets, along with other supportive supplements. Lifestyle and dietary changes that reduce stress and increase core nutrition are also highly effective.

Bleeding issues often reflect irregularities of the endometrium with symptoms strongly influenced by the monthly ebb and flow of estrogen as well as progesterone. These problems often respond well to a natural rebalancing of hormones through diet and lifestyle changes. You may want to try this before turning to surgical intervention partially because organ removal can lead to different problems.

Postmenopausal bleeding

Postmenopausal bleeding is different — any bleeding that occurs after menopause should be evaluated immediately by your healthcare provider. You may be referred for vaginal ultrasound so the endometrium within the uterus can be evaluated and measured. If the endometrial stripe is greater than a certain width, endometrial biopsy is recommended. Certain drugs, such as tamoxifen for breast cancer, can cause endometrial thickening.

Adenomyosis

Persistent heavy bleeding that doesn’t have an identifiable source such as fibroids, and that does not respond to medical management, is often a result of adenomyosis of the uterus (sometimes referred to as endometriosis interna). In this condition, which is sometimes mistaken for uterine fibroids, the glandular endometrial lining of the uterus invades the bulk of the uterine muscle wall.

While many women who have adenomyosis have no symptoms, it can cause the uterus to grow 2–3 times its normal size, accompanied by severe menstrual cramping. It can sometimes be identified by ultrasound, or more definitively by MRI, and confirmed by pathology after hysterectomy, though it’s technically categorized as a benign condition.

If you have exhausted all natural measures and still have persistent heavy bleeding, you may want to ask about adenomyosis as a potential diagnosis. Endometrial ablation is one alternative to hysterectomy now available, along with the Mirena IUD, and either may be considered in certain cases.

Fibroids

At least 40% percent of hysterectomies are for fibroids though fibroids are not technically part of the endometrium. No one knows exactly what causes them, but they are definitely an issue for many women. Their growth may be fueled by estrogen but we don’t know for sure yet.

At least one in five women over age 35 has fibroids. Many women think that having fibroids will eventually lead to having a hysterectomy but this isn’t necessarily true. Some doctors may recommend a hysterectomy for fibroids even when there is no bleeding or pain. Surgery is likely not needed in this scenario.

Many women deal successfully with their fibroids through diet, lifestyle and supplements — as well as acupuncture, if there is pain. See our fibroid article for more information on causes and natural treatment for fibroids.

Fibroids can cause bleeding and pain or discomfort, and can grow in some cases. A fibroid’s size is compared to the gestational age of a fetus — for example, a 5-month size fibroid — or to a piece of fruit (orange or melon-sized). Women can have multiple fibroids of various sizes and shapes, and some change very little over time, with many women unaware of them. A healthcare provider can often feel them during a pelvic exam and will order an ultrasound if warranted.

An ultrasound measures the fibroid and helps assess it. You may be referred for repeat ultrasounds to be sure the fibroids aren’t growing too large or too rapidly. Your doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI if additional information is needed. Fibroids are very rarely cancerous and do not routinely need to be biopsied. But be aware that any kind of dysfunctional uterine bleeding usually mandates an endometrial biopsy to rule out potentially more threatening, co-existing issues.

Polyps

Uterine polyps or endometrial polyps are irregularities of the inner uterine lining, sort of like fleshy skin tags, only on the inside. Polyps can be a source of irregular bleeding but they are not usually cancerous. However, they can change over time.

Polyps of the uterine lining may be difficult to see on regular ultrasound, but a “sono-hyst” (sonohysterography) or saline-infused ultrasound may help visually define the nature of a polyp more accurately. Fragments suggestive of polyps can also be identified by endometrial biopsy.

Most endocervical polyps can be removed through the vagina, without affecting the uterus, but uterine-endometrial polyps are generally removed via the D&C with hysteroscopy method — slightly invasive but still less traumatic than a hysterectomy.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that is generally more troublesome than truly health-threatening. Many women who have endometriosis don’t know they have it until they try to get pregnant. Endometriosis can cause fertility problems, but is even more notorious for causing irregular spotting, bleeding and pain. If you have severe endometriosis, the pain can be debilitating, especially around your period.

Acupuncture can be quite helpful for pain management. If fertility is an issue, you can try massage techniques such as integrative manual therapy (IMT) or Clear Passages therapy. Laparoscopy is often used in more severe cases for definitive diagnosis and treatment. See our article for more detailed information on natural treatments for endometriosis.

If your decision to have a hysterectomy is an elective one, take the time to fully research your choices and determine how you might be able to try a natural approach before you commit to surgery.

Different kinds of hysterectomy procedures

Many women of earlier generations didn’t know exactly what a hysterectomy entails. Today, there are several different types of hysterectomy, as well as additional techniques used to perform them. If you are considering hysterectomy, learn about the specifics of each kind and discuss them in advance with your practitioner.

Total hysterectomy

In a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus and cervix are removed and ovary status is officially referred to separately. Total hysterectomy (TAH) can be done abdominally with an incision typically made along the bikini line. In an emergency, a vertical incision is made through the abdominal wall from the belly button to the pubis. TAH can also be performed through the vagina, without a large incision through the belly.

The most sophisticated techniques use laparoscopy to assist the hysterectomy procedure. In laparoscopic hysterectomy, the organs are visualized and manipulated through a laparoscope, and the uterus is removed either through the vagina (laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, or LAVH) or through a small incision in the abdomen. The incisions are very small (~½”, beneath the belly button and on the lower pelvis/abdomen, beneath the bikini line).

This surgery lends itself to faster recovery, with far less disruption of the bowel and pelvic floor architecture. It is best performed by a laparoscopic specialist, as not all surgeons are skilled at this. The choice here depends on the reasons for doing the surgery, the patient’s anatomy, and the surgeon’s preference. If you have a preference, clearly communicate this to your surgeon.

While doing a hysterectomy, a surgeon may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO, or together with a total abdominal hysterectomy, TAH/BSO.) There are many considerations to make before consenting to this surgery, starting with the artificial onset of menopause due to loss of your natural sex hormones. Again, the decision depends on the individual nature of a woman’s condition and her doctor’s choices. If this is the option available to you, be assured that it is possible to regain hormonal balance with the help of some good support measures and a healthy lifestyle. You can talk it over with your doctor later if you need additional help.

Young women who must undergo a BSO usually should consider appropriate estrogen replacement for numerous health benefits.

Partial hysterectomy

In a partial or subtotal — supracervical = above the cervix — hysterectomy, the ovaries and/or cervix are left intact. These procedures can be also performed abdominally, vaginally or laparoscopically. Unfortunately, many women aren’t told about these options and sometimes the cervix is removed automatically as a precaution against cervical cancer.

You should definitely talk this over with your doctor, and the surgeon performing your hysterectomy, if they’re different. Many women have seen that the benefits of retaining the cervix — more sexual enjoyment and sounder inner pelvic architecture — outweigh the relative risks. An intact cervix may actually benefit proper Pap smear technique so if you choose to keep your cervix, continue regular annual screenings and Pap tests.

Another option is a laproscopically-assisted supracervical (partial) hysterectomy (LASH, or LSH). This allows women to try to keep their ovaries (no BSO), if possible, but this is case-dependent. Try to find a doctor skilled in these newer techniques, many of whom specialize in endometriosis treatment.

We also recommend preparing yourself for surgery. You can sign up for a few sessions of acupuncture, and use Peggy Huddleston’s book and CD, Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster to decrease your recovery time and possibly improve your outcome.

Alternatives to hysterectomy

If you have the option to forego a hysterectomy, there are many alternatives that work with hormonal support and lifestyle changes to relieve and treat heavy bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids and polyps. Current treatment options include:

• medical/hormonal management
• D&C and hysteroscopy
• endometrial ablation
• MRI–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
• laparoscopy and endometriosis excision
• myomectomy
• uterine artery embolization (UAE)

Success rates of these techniques vary, so it’s important to support whatever method you pursue with the healthiest lifestyle choices you can make. Many women get excellent results with the nutritional guidelines that come with our Hormonal Health Programs, and also use our Nurse–Educators to help them recover from a variety of procedures — including hysterectomy.

Looking ahead

Heavy bleeding or a diagnosis of fibroids can be distressing and scary but it is rarely necessary for a woman to jump right into surgery. Checking out other possibilities may steer you in an entirely different direction, so if possible, take the time to evaluate all options.

Because hysterectomy and fibroids are so common, studies into other treatment options are underway, and new techniques are being developed and researched in many parts of the world. Results so far are mixed, but these less invasive techniques do work for some women.

No scientific, randomized study has been done to fully evaluate these various hysterectomy alternatives, their side effects, risks and benefits. Some observational studies on UAE have been done, comparing outcome satisfaction, failure rates, and cost compared to traditional hysterectomy methods.

Your choices today

For many women hysterectomy is a choice. Exploring the other natural and less invasive alternatives is valid — as is surgery, if it comes to that. It’s also true that some women feel wonderful after their hysterectomies and have no side effects. Whether you opt for a nonsurgical alternative or some version of hysterectomy, consider boosting your nutrition and taking steps to balancing your hormones.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post Hysterectomy—different types & alternative options appeared first on Women's Health Network.

First developed in France, UAE has been performed in the US since 1995, and the technique of embolization had been used prior to that to stop bleeding in other areas of the body and to stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Many women are not aware of UAE, however, because their healthcare practitioner may not know of it yet.

Women can pursue this option without a referring GYN. The process begins with a basic consultation and initial MRI evaluation by the consulting radiologist to determine whether the woman is a candidate. If she is, the procedure is usually scheduled for a later date. It’s performed in the radiology department with the woman under some mild intravenous sedation. A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, then threaded into the uterine artery under radiological guidance using dye. With a visual map of the pelvis and uterine arteries, small sand-sized pellets of synthetic material are then released. They lodge in the distal ends and block the blood flow to the fibroid. There have been no adverse effects or allergic reaction reported from these particles to date. The procedure itself takes about 60–90 minutes. The referring GYN then usually follows up.

Uterine artery embolization works by basically starving the fibroid to death over the next several months. By mapping the arteries, UAE technique protects the blood supply to the ovaries, and menopausal symptoms are much less common than they are following surgery. There may be some pain — often intense — and cramping during and after the procedure. Women can go home that afternoon or stay overnight in the hospital for pain management. It usually takes a few days to a week to recuperate — much less than having the possible side effects of general anesthesia and surgery. The results occur slowly over the following months.

UAE was originally recommended for pre- or perimenopausal women with symptomatic fibroids. The procedure was not recommended for women who might want to get pregnant because it was uncertain how it would affect fertility or what the effects would be on a pregnant uterus. New data suggest it may be okay in certain cases. Recently the procedure was reported as helpful also for post-menopausal women whose fibroids had not regressed with menopause. There is a small chance that cancer can be found in the uterus or fibroids, so be sure to discuss this possibility with your doctor. Some women also fail to respond to the technique as desired; the fibroids may also grow grow back in time or new ones may arise.

Where can you get UAE?

Many hospitals have an interventional radiology suite and some physicians have set up separate centers. A large proportion have same-day or overnight observation units — providing round-the-clock nursing care but with the feel of a hotel. Information on doctors trained in UAE can be obtained on-line from theSociety of Interventional Radiology (SIR). Many insurance policies will cover the procedure.

Five questions you should ask about UAE

We always recommend that a woman call and ask a few questions or be seen in consultation before committing to any course of action. Here are some reasonable questions to ask about uterine fibroid embolization:

1. Am I a good candidate for UAE? Do I need to have a pre-procedure ultrasound or MRI?
2. When did you start offering UAE? How many do you perform a week? A year?
3. What are your statistics on successful shrinkage of fibroids? (This figure should be at least 40–50%.)
4. When do your women patients usually return to work or daily activities? (Should be in less than a week.)
5. What are the side effects of UAE? (Fever, infection, artery injury, premature menopause. Rate should be under 1%.)

For more information on causes and natural treatment of fibroids, refer to our full article.

The post Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) / Uterine artery embolization (UAE) appeared first on Women's Health Network.

It can be performed via open incision, or via laparoscope or hysteroscope. Each method has its advantages and limitations, but laparoscopic myomectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy are less invasive than open surgery and require far less recovery time.

Myomectomy requires a highly skilled GYN surgeon. In addition, not all fibroid cases are good candidates for this method. Some women have good success with myomectomy, but in other, more severe cases, the fibroids return over time. Outcome depends on the size and position of the fibroids, as well as the expertise of the surgeon.

For more information on causes and natural treatment of fibroids, see our full article.

For more information about myomectomy for removal of uterine fibroids, visit ob/gyn.net.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post Myomectomy for problematic fibroids appeared first on Women's Health Network.

To date, MR-guided thermal ablation by focused ultrasound is reported to show limited success in long-term resolution of fibroids. It remains in the investigational stages and is currently available at only a few locations, generally as a self-pay procedure. The FDA has approved one type of technology for this (ExAblate) as a premarket application, for women who have completed childbearing.

Nonetheless, many women have reported good success with this technique as a noninvasive alternative to hysterectomy. Perhaps as time goes by MRI-guided ultrasound technology will be perfected and its availability will become more widespread. In the meantime, if you are interested, you may want to visit the Uterine-Fibroids.org website for more information. Do be sure you seek treatment only at a center where the providers are experienced in this technique.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post MRI–guided ultrasound ablation for fibroids appeared first on Women's Health Network.

For some women, certain forms of The Pill work well. The synthetic progestin component can sometimes offset the stimulating effect of her own estrogen, but not always since The Pill also contains synthetic estrogens.

Another option is the Mirena intrauterine system (IUS), which releases a synthetic progestin inside the uterus. It’s available as birth control, but can also help control bleeding issues and prevent the need for hysterectomy in some women.

We suggest women try to use natural progesterone products for these purposes whenever possible, such as Prometrium prescription capsules or custom-compounded micronized progesterone products. If contraception is also needed, The Pill and Mirena are reasonable to consider.

Lupron is a type of GnRH agonist. GnRH agonist drugs are modified versions of the naturally occurring hormone known as gonadotropin releasing hormone, which plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Lupron and other GnRH agonists are prescribed to bring on a sudden, temporary “medical menopause” in an attempt to shrink fibroids or reduce endometrial implants. They are usually used preoperatively to improve ease of surgery.

Lupron inhibits ovarian function and severely decreases a woman’s estrogen and hormone production as well, creating some unfortunate side effects, including instant menopausal symptoms and potentially serious bone thinning. Women usually use the drug for 3–6 months, then evaluate how the symptoms have improved. Often they do go on to have surgery.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post Medical (hormonal) management options appeared first on Women's Health Network.

Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is also becoming increasingly popular, enabling surgeons to meticulously remove endometrial implants with special laser techniques specific to each tissue type, while leaving the reproductive system intact.

Outcome is largely dependent on the extent of the endometriosis and the surgeon’s skill. Again, it is ideal to see an endometriosis specialist for this type of procedure. Repeat procedures may be needed, since endometriosis can grow back, and adhesion scar tissue can also develop.

Removing the uterus for endometriosis is usually not helpful because the condition is systemic and not caused by the uterus.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post Laparoscopy and endometriosis excision appeared first on Women's Health Network.

Uterine fibroids and the heavy or irregular bleeding they can cause are all too familiar to many women. But the true cause of fibroids remains unknown. Why do some women get them and some don’t? Why is their progression so different from one woman to another? Why do so many more women get fibroids now than a couple of generations ago?

The answers aren’t always clear, but let’s take a look at what we know — and how you can treat fibroid symptoms naturally and without surgery.

What are uterine fibroids?

Most fibroids of the uterus are small growths of knotty connective tissue that develop in different ways in or on the uterus. Many women have clusters of fibroids, which can grow to the size of an early pregnancy. Some women only have one or two that are very small. An enormous number of women have no idea they have fibroids at all until they are discovered by their health care provider in a routine exam.

Cancerous fibroids are rare. The trouble they cause varies by individual, but is mostly a function of their size and rate of growth. The most typical symptom of fibroids is heavy or irregular bleeding. The blood vessels that feed the fibroid become altered or engorged, rather like varicose veins. This area then bleeds more than other areas of the uterus, heavier at menses and sometimes in between menses.

This bleeding does not plague all women with fibroids, but it is the most common reason that women choose to have their fibroids dealt with surgically, or to have the entire uterus removed in a hysterectomy. Fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy.

What are the causes of fibroids?

One striking fact is the role of estrogen, whose basic function throughout the body is to stimulate cell growth. Clearly estrogen stimulates fibroid growth and progesterone inhibits it. That makes estrogen–progesterone imbalance (estrogen dominance — a very common condition among perimenopausal women) a likely contributor to fibroid growth.

We doubt that estrogen alone creates fibroids, but the xenoestrogens in our environment (chiefly pesticides and growth hormones used in food production) could go a long way toward explaining why fibroids are so much more common today than a few decades ago.

Another striking fact is the pattern of fibroids in families. We often see astoundingly similar experiences among mothers, daughters and sisters. This does not necessarily mean that there is a genetic factor, because families often share other factors. But we speculate that some women may have more estrogen receptors in their uterine tissue, thus making them more susceptible to the effects of estrogen dominance.

A third striking fact is the enormous role of emotions. We’ve heard persuasive arguments that relationship problems, stress, and other emotional factors are contributing factors if not indeed the original cause of fibroids. Most women who suffer from fibroids intuitively know that the ups and downs of their lives affect their fibroids and related symptoms, almost on a day-by-day basis.

Natural treatments for fibroids

Since hormonal imbalance is a likely cause of fibroid growth, methods to restore hormonal balance can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of fibroids and their size. Phytotherapy like our Herbal Equilibrium can be effective, especially when used in conjunction with supportive dietary and lifestyle measures.

We agree with the many experts who advise that reducing the xenoestrogens you ingest is also helpful in treating fibroids. These include the pesticides in most fruits and vegetables, and the growth hormones commonly present in milk and meat products.

Some advocate a strict organic macrobiotic diet, but this can easily lead to an excess of carbohydrates, which creates other problems for hormonal balance. We recommend a healing diet that curtails carbohydrates and increases protein — no more than 15 grams of carbohydrates per meal, and 7 grams per snack.

We have seen that the addition of non-genetically-modified soy in reasonable amounts (80 mg of isoflavones per day) can be helpful. Soy helps block estrogen’s stimulation of the uterine tissue. It’s also an excellent protein source without the growth hormones in ordinary meat products. We get the best results with products based on non-GMO whole soy. Results from soy extracts, especially pill forms, are less reliable.

Weight loss can be important in treating fibroids. Body fat is a secondary production site for estrogen, so excess weight contributes to estrogen-progesterone imbalance. However, caution is required when dieting, as low–fat diets actually sabotage hormonal balance.

The emotional factors that contribute to fibroids can be difficult to deal with, but we encourage you to try. Many women with fibroids report remarkable improvement from their efforts to resolve relationship issues and stress. The common theme is finding your voice and being heard.

There are many techniques in alternative medicine that may be helpful. Complementary medicine with an acupuncturist or chiropractor, or body work with a Rolfing or Reiki practitioner, can contribute toward a new balance. Meditation has been proven to help alleviate fibroid symptoms and growth.

Finally countless women have found castor oil packs provide effective if only temporary symptom relief.

Conventional treatments for uterine fibroids

Above all, remember to use natural methods in addition to your regular medical care, not as a substitute. Fibroids are almost always benign, but they can mask or be accompanied by other serious conditions that can only be detected by your medical practitioner.

We urge every woman to have an annual exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear. If fibroids are detected or suspected, an ultrasound is helpful to measure them. In our office, we recommend that patients with fibroids return every six months to monitor their size.

Tissue sampling of the uterus is usually indicated in women over the age of 35 who experience heavy, irregular, or abruptly different bleeding patterns. There are different ways to accomplish this, such as a D&C, hysteroscopy, or office endometrial biopsy. If you experience such bleeding, discuss these options with your health care provider.

The good news is that many women can manage or reduce their fibroids without surgery. Of course, the decision to have a partial hysterectomy, total hysterectomy, myomectomy, or uterine embolization is an individual one. We just want you to know there are alternatives and natural methods that may work for you until you reach menopause, when fibroids generally shrink or even disappear. We encourage you to understand your options, listen to your inner wisdom, and make the choice that’s right for you.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post Uterine fibroids — and natural alternatives to hysterectomy appeared first on Women's Health Network.

Yes, the Hormonal Health Package will benefit your general health and your hormonal balance, even if you’ve had a hysterectomy, and whether or not you also had your ovaries removed. (Over half the women who keep their ovaries nevertheless suffer loss of ovarian function.)

In fact, the Hormonal Health Package is especially relevant to women like you, given the heightened risks from long-term use of synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Note that we generally recommend that women under 40 who have had a hysterectomy consider natural hormone replacement therapy to mimic the body’s natural progression into perimenopause.

< Back to hysterectomy FAQ’s.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post FAQ’s on hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and hormones appeared first on Women's Health Network.

The simple answer is that menopause is different for every woman, whether she’s had a hysterectomy or not.

After a partial hysterectomy, you’re likely to experience a normal perimenopause and menopause, but it is hard to know when it’s starting because there are no periods to identify the initial changes. Hormone tests might show shifts, but since these levels fluctuate so much, it’s safer to rely on your symptoms to tell you what’s happening to your body.

Remember, menopause is defined by the cessation of periods for one full year for a woman with a uterus. That’s really just one point in a process that can take many years. That process still occurs in women who have no uterus, but who still have their ovaries intact, since it is the ovaries that make most of our sex hormones.

Women recovering from complete hysterectomy may wish to read our recommendations on how to support your body while recovering from surgical menopause.

For a complete list of our articles about menopause, visit our menopause section.

< Back to hysterectomy FAQ’s.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post FAQ’s on hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and hormones appeared first on Women's Health Network.

There are several types of hysterectomy, the main ones being the partial and the complete. In a partial hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed. In a complete or total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed, sometimes along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

The medical term for removal of the ovaries is oophorectomy. A hysterectomy where all these structures are removed is termed a TAH/BSO.

For a woman who’s premenopausal, a complete hysterectomy will have a significant impact on hormonal balance because the ovaries are such an important source of hormone production. Even a partial hysterectomy can have a significant effect, first because the uterus plays a role in hormonal balance, and second because in most cases the circulation to the ovaries is impaired enough by the surgery to affect their function.

When a hysterectomy is absolutely necessary, many women choose the latest surgical technique called laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. This cutting-edge surgery is far less invasive than a traditional hysterectomy and does not involve removing the cervix — and leaving the cervix intact will help support the pelvic floor. If necessary, one or both ovaries can be removed with much less recovery time. Be aware that a partial hysterectomy, in strict medical terms, usually involves removal of the cervix — so you must ask your doctor to keep your cervix intact.

See our full article on hysterectomy and alternatives for more information on your options.

< Back to hysterectomy FAQ’s.

Buy Now

Relieve your hormonal
imbalance symptoms today

• For perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Natural and easy-to-take
• Satisfaction always guaranteed

The post FAQ’s on hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and hormones appeared first on Women's Health Network.