Is Your Doctor Suggesting A Hysterectomy? Learn about the REAL Long-Term Effects of Having a Hysterectomy
Lets face it, the long-term effects of having an organ removed from the body - in this case a woman's uterus - isn't talked about enough.
Which is why I'm writing this article.
My biggest issue here is that hysterectomies are performed way to often when there are so many other options available for women to heal naturally.
Did you know that 9 out of 10 hysterectomies are performed for noncancerous conditions that are not life-threatening?
The undervaluing of the uterus by doctors and the public alike has contributed to that fact that, after cesarean section, a hysterectomy remains the second most commonly performed major surgical procedure for women in the U.S.
A lot of women are surprised to learn of this fact.
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of one, some or all of the woman's reproductive organs, but most often the woman's uterus (her womb).
It's a surgical procedure that's performed on women to treat and to help relieve symptoms of different reproductive health conditions in western or allopathic medicine.
Depending on the reason for the surgery being performed, the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix may also be removed.
Why is a hysterectomy performed?
The main objective for a hysterectomy is to provide women relief from their chronic symptoms of the condition which necessitated the surgery.
A hysterectomy is performed to treat conditions like:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Debilitating uterine pain
- Prolapsed uterus
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Some cases of cervical cancer
- Other conditions that can cause disabling levels of pain in the womb & emotional stress
What are the different types of hysterectomy?
There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on what other structures are removed along with the uterus.
Completete or Total Hysterectomy
- The most common type of hysterectomy performed on women
- This procedure includes the removal of the uterus as wells as the cervix
- Ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed
- It can be performed abdominally or vaginally
- If ovaries are removed, it is typically followed up with a hormone replacement protocol plan as the ovaries regulate hormones in a woman's body
Partial Hysterectomy
- Removal of only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place
- Ovaries may or may not be removed
Radical Hysterectomy
- Removal of all of the uterus, cervix, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina
- Used to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer
- Fallopian tubes and ovaries may or may not be removed
The decision to remove the ovaries typically depends on the reason for the hysterectomy. A woman's ovaries may be removed in some cases in an attempt to lower the risk for ovarian cancer.
However, ovaries are often left intact in women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer.
This is because the ovaries produce majority of the woman's sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and androgens.
These hormones help to protect against other illness like osteoporosis, bladder, bowel and heart disease. They also help protect the woman's nervous system, mood, sexual desire, libido and satisfaction.
What are the LONG-TERM side-effects of having a hysterectomy?
For women, some of the side-effects of having a hysterectomy are obvious and some are not so obvious.
Some of the obvious side-effects are:
- Interruption of natural menstual cycle
- Pregnancy is no longer possible
- Menstrual period will stop
- Low estrogen levels
- Menopausal symptoms
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
And, the not-so obvious side-effects are:
- Grief over loss of uterus (the womb)
- Detachment from womanhood or femininity
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Depression and mood swings
- Urinary incontinence
- Reduced interest in sex (especially when ovaries are removed)
- Increased risk of other health issues (bone loss, osteoporosis, heart disease)
What I want you to consider...
I believe doctors need further training and understanding on the intricacies of women's bodies, in order for them to properly educate women on ALL of the real side-effects of getting a hysterectomy.
And, women ourselves are responsible for being aware as well.
That way women collectively can make informed and aligned health decisions for their body as a whole.
Before agreeing to get a hysterectomy, get a second opinion. Work with a Women's Naturopathic Practitioner like me.
I've helped women heal without needing invasive surgeries and keeping their body whole.
I believe all organs of the human body are needed for the body to function optimally; and that we should fight to keep them intact, and in place.
Understand that while hysterectomies may relieve chronic pain, bloating, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, endometriosis, cysts or fibroids symptoms - that this surgical procedure does not address or solve the underlying issues that led to imbalance in the body to begin with.
And, surgery certainly does not guarantee endometrios lesions and fibroid growth won't reappear or grow back. This means that your reproductive healing journey shouldn't start or end at a hysterectomy.
Sadly for some women, in worst case scenarios (which I believe are rare), hysterectomies are neccesary. This is because things have gone on for far too long without being treated, and without the efforts of women making real changes to improve their health.
What to do next?
If doctor is suggesting for you to get a hysterectomy, before making a decision to have your uterus and other reproductive organs removed, do all you can to heal your womb naturally!
If you’re interested in learning how to start healing through herbal, nutrition and lifestyle therapy, Schedule a FREE Health Discovery Call with me!
Love and Health,
Shavonne