Hormone Replacement Therapy after Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy in simple terms, is the removal of uterus by a surgical procedure. The possible causes include the uterine fibroids or fibroid tumors or any other complications in the reproductive system. Going through the surgical procedure of hysterectomy is a challenging process for the women, both psychologically and physically. It is extremely important to be aware of how to prepare for hysterectomy prior to the surgery, but it is equally important to handle the situation post the hysterectomy. Obviously life after hysterectomy involves strict discipline in dietary programs and suitable exercise routines.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is in other words, a treatment for menstrual disorders in women. Menstrual disorders are one of the most common problems encountered by women. Generally, natural menopause in women occurs between 45 to 60 years of age. However, a hysterectomy operation that has been performed before the natural menopause age, triggers a menopause in the women, that have undergone the operation. This menopause is termed as surgical menopause. Simply stated, hormone replacement therapy is used for treating women with menopausal symptoms, like erratic changes in the menstruation cycle, hot flushes, dry eyes, fatigue, irritability and forgetfulness, to name a few. Estrogen and progesterone, are the the basic sex hormones, that are used in a hormone replacement therapy. The synthetic hormones progestins (artificial progesterone), are used as replacement for progesterone. If the women has undergone a hysterectomy, then estrogen is given to women and not a estrogen based therapy. If the women has not undergone a hormone replacement therapy, then combined doses of progestins and estrogen is given.

Side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy after Hysterectomy
The ongoing debate on the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy, has gained a lot of momentum after women who have gone through the operation have complained of various problems like headaches, weight gain, osteoporosis, hypertension, depression, anxiety and hair loss. These physical symptoms aggravate, depending on the age and type o fthe hysterectomy surgery, that the women has undergone. Generally, women who have hysterectomy before the natural menopause may show more symptoms. The removal of uterus also interferes with the sexual life of the person. Painful intercourse, loss of sexual drive and vaginal dryness are a few disadvantages of a hysterectomy operation, that a number of women encounter in their lives. However, this cannot be generalized for every women. Remember, there are hormonal changes in the body of the women after the hysterectomy, so such things may occur. Sex is all about the healthy mental state of a person, so these symptoms can be more psychological rather than physical. With time and doctor's prescriptions, the symptoms can be overcome. The state of panic should be avoided, as it can lead to severe depression. Hormone replacement therapy can induce emotional stress among the women, as the removal of uterus or ovaries, means that they cannot conceive. This can be a cause of huge stress and trauma. The support of family, in particular the husband, is crucial.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormones are another type of hormone replacement therapy, in which the artificial hormones are prepared in the laboratories, with the minerals and chemicals that have been derived from plants. The important advantage of bioidentical hormones is that they can be have been found to be more beneficial than the traditional methods of the hormone replacement therapy. Compounded bioidentical hormones are another option that have the same chemical properties, like the hormones produced in our body.

Hormone replacement therapy, though initially assumed to be very beneficial, has been found to be a threat to a women's health. It is best to avoid these therapies and prefer natural methods. Nowadays, yoga and breathing exercises have been found to cure menopausal symptoms to a larger extent. It is necessary not to panic and opt for methods that are safer for health.