Hormones After Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the term used to describe surgical removal of uterus. Most hysterectomies involve removal of ovary/ovaries too. As you know, ovaries produce the important female hormone estrogen which controls several chemical processes. The surgery can lead to hormonal imbalance and it can affect the physical and mental health of the woman. It is therefore essential that the woman is well prepared for hysterectomy. There is no need to worry, the woman can enjoy the pleasures of life as usual after hysterectomy. Doctors usually suggest hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy, as it helps maintain the balance of hormones after the removal of important organs like uterus and ovaries.

Life after Hysterectomy

As uterus and ovaries help maintain the hormonal balance, life after hysterectomy can be full of physical as well as psychological challenges. Women may experience hot flashes or other menopause symptoms after hysterectomy. A low libido after hysterectomy or total loss of sexual desire after hysterectomy is quite common. Body's reaction to hysterectomy may vary from woman to woman, depending upon age and overall health. But remember, hysterectomy is often done to improve the quality of life, except for the cases of cancer. Hysterectomy helps to eliminate extreme menstrual problems. Thus, hysterectomy can result in increased energy. Some of the main side effects of hysterectomy on body can be described as loss of bone mass, increased chances for cardiovascular disease, impaired urinary and genital tissues, vaginal dryness, night sweats, depression, insomnia, and comparatively fast aging process.

Hormone Levels after Hysterectomy

When menopause is a natural process, the levels of natural hormones, estrogen and progesterone decrease gradually. Hysterectomy causes menopause to occur more abruptly (called 'surgical menopause'). For the body, it is a sudden hormonal shock leading to rapid onset of menopausal symptoms. Sudden change in the levels of hormones is more difficult to handle. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after hysterectomy is therefore suggested by doctors. Low doses of hormone therapy help enjoy improved bone and vaginal health. A sense of sexual desire can also be restored. But, several factors, like the individual's overall health, family history, etc. are to be considered while taking hormones after hysterectomy. There is no fixed dose of hormones that can work for every woman. A low dose natural hormone therapy may consist of a low dose of estrogen (in the form of capsules, cream or patch) and progesterone (tablet, capsule or cream form). In some cases, if required, doctors may prescribe an androgen such as testosterone in capsule or cream form. Doctors cannot recommend HRT to women who have liver diseases or a history of hormone-dependent tumors, such as breast cancer.

Estrogen: There are mainly 3 types of estrogen produced in our body. In the absence of ovaries, Estrone (E1), the predominant estrogen after menopause, is synthesized by the fat cells in the body. So there is no need to replace E1. Estradiol (E2) levels fall after menopause. Estriol (E3) is produced by placenta during pregnancy.

Progesterone: Progesterone literally means 'for gestation'. Though it is a hormone of pregnancy, it also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and enhance your mood by creating a calming effect. It also promotes thyroid function. Low levels of testosterone and reduced bone density are responsible for height loss in women.

Testosterone: Testosterone is needed by both, men and women. Level of testosterone declines with aging. In women, it is produced by ovaries. After menopause, adrenal glands help produce testosterone which accelerates the growth of the tissues. It stimulates the flow of blood as well.

Bio-identical Hormones after Hysterectomy

Statistical records show that taking synthetic hormones is a health risk. You should opt for bio-identical hormones, which lead to almost no health risks. Using bio-identical hormones is safer and it is a natural way to restore hormonal imbalance. In order to patent the manufactured products as drugs, the drug companies, purposely make different synthetic hormones. A bio-identical hormone should have one and only one molecular structure, which should match the structure created by your own body in all respects. So, bio-identical hormones cannot be patentable. Even doctors do not have much knowledge of bio-identical hormones as drug companies do not provide them this knowledge. Intake of synthetic hormones can lead to side effects like lack of sleep, lack of sex drive, weight gain and depression, while bio-identical hormones can create feeling of increased energy, healthy libido, weight loss, improved memory, reduced facial hair, etc. Bio-identical hormones can also cause certain side effects but they are comparatively mild or negligible.

Women should get their hormone levels tested, before opting for any type of therapy. It would be better if they change their diet to maintain the balance of hormones after hysterectomy. Eating organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed food which may contain chemicals, help fight hormonal imbalance. Women may rely on regular exercises and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation that help ward off depression and anxiety.