What You Can Expect After A Hysterectomy

@menopausedoctor What to expect when getting a #hysterectomy #menopause #perimenopause #menopausedoctor #menopausetiktok #menopausesupport #hormones #bhrt ♬ UNDERWATER WONDERSCAPES (MASTER) – Frederic Bernard

If you are about to have a hysterectomy, here are some things that you can expect to happen.

But first, let’s break down some definitions.

A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix. A total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, either unilateral or bilateral, implies the removal of the uterus, cervix, and either one or both of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissue.

Women who are just having a uterus and or cervix removed with ovaries intact can’t expect to still be cycling and making hormones.

Most women will experience menopausal symptoms within one year of that surgery, even if ovaries are intact. And for most, those ovaries will still be cycling. However, the amount of hormones that they were making before has shown to be diminished due to lower ovarian reserve.

You may enter menopause about three to seven years earlier than you would have without the surgery.

Now, for anyone that has a bilateral oophorectomy, with or without the removal of the uterus, although they commonly are removed together, that puts you right into menopause.

At which point, you should be offered some sort of hormone replacement therapy due to the fact that you’re more at risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

In 2006, Mayo clinic did a study and reported that women who had both ovaries and both fallopian tubes removed had an increase in all-cause mortality who did not take hormone replacement therapy specifically with estrogen.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you are interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy to manage the symptoms of menopause, call (760) 542-8898 or request a consultation online.