There are many women who will at some point in their lives face the possibility of having a hysterectomy. As with any surgical procedure, this type of surgery is one that may seem to be a mystery to some people. Here is some basic information about the hysterectomy, when it is an appropriate procedure, how it is done and what one can expect one the procedure has been performed.

A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of your uterus. Normally this is not a procedure that many people wish to undergo, but for the most part, there are a few conditions that may arise in which this is the only choice. If you have one of the various uterine conditions listed below, you may want to consult your doctor about the possibility of a hysterectomy surgery.

The most common reason in which a person would need to undergo a hysterectomy is if gynecological cancer is putting your life or health at risk. Normally a doctor may wish to first treat your cancer with chemotherapy, but most often a hysterectomy is the quickest and easiest way to treat this type of cancer. In the event that you would rather keep your uterus, other choices of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

If you suffer from fibroids, the only treatment option is to undergo hysterectomy surgery. While there are other types of treatment, a hysterectomy is the only surefire way to remove all of the tumors that are present. However, you should only undergo a hysterectomy if you are suffering greatly from your fibroids, as most people with fibroids are able to live a normal life as if they were not even there.

Other common problems which may require the need for a hysterectomy include such illnesses as endometriosis, uterine prolapsed, persistent vaginal bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain. While there are other treatment options for most of these illnesses, past studies and various medical surveys have shown that hysterectomy surgery is still the most effective way to treat all of these different conditions. Please be aware though, that before you start to talk to your doctor about getting a hysterectomy for any of these ailments, be sure that this is the only option, as once you have a hysterectomy, you permanently remove your ability to become pregnant. There may also be the need for some hormone treatments for a time as well. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the most effective follow up treatments that will allow you to get back on your feet and live a happy and healthy life.



Thanks to Mayoor Patel for contributing this article to our Menopause blog:

Alternatives To Hysterectomy

Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (that mimic human estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. Human estrogens and phytoestrogens There are not one but three different kinds of estrogen made by the human body: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. In fact, it is possible that taking phytoestrogen supplements may carry the same long-term risk of cancer as estrogen alone (see estrogen replacement therapy). To avoid some of the known risks of estrogen, some women take phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogens. [2] phytoestrogen estrogen (anti-estrogen). phytoestrogen estrogen trong Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, which are weak forms of plant estrogen (also called phytoestrogen). Here’s one theory: Once digested, the soybean’s phytoestrogens mimic the activity of a woman’s natural estrogen hormones. Critics feared that soy phytoestrogens could increase a woman’s total estrogen level. But also, phytoestrogens can be helpful if your estrogen levels are high… Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (compounds that mimic estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. When estrogen levels are low (as in menopause) empty estrogen receptor sites can be filled with phytoestrogens that can exert a weak pro-estrogenic effect.

Identifying the phytoestrogenic activity of soybean isoflavones would benefit the nutritional health of the population in general, particularly women. The implication is that exposure to pathogen attack or other plant stresses may influence potential phytoestrogenic compounds in soybean in the field. sojae, which induce phytoestrogen levels in soybean cotyledons (seeds) several fold over non-induced cotyledons. Individual soybean phytoestrogens can effect a number of physiological events in mammals. Soy sauce contains very little phytoestrogen content, and many processed foods made from soybean concentrates have insignificant levels of phytoestrogens. An overall reduction in phytoestrogen levels of 12-14 percent was observed in the genetically altered soybean strains. Techniques are being determined by ARS scientists to manipulate phytoestrogen levels in soybean seed and soy-based products to maximize health benefits by their consumption. Soybean meal is an ingredient common to standard natural ingredient diets which contains a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. To provide growers with value added specialty varieties with phytoestrogen profiles of commercial value to major soybean utilizers. To provide growers with soybean varieties with high and consistent phytoestrogen content. To identify molecular markers in the existing maps of the soybean genome linked to genes controlling phytoestrogen content.

The present study tests the hypothesis that administration of a phytoestrogen-rich diet enhances motor and cognitive performance in young and aged mice. “These results show that women who are at risk for osteoporosis may directly benefit from eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet. For women who still get hot flashes in spite of a high phytoestrogen diet and/or use of phytoestrogen supplements, stronger therapy might be necessary. For many women, a safe and natural phytoestrogen supplement or high-phytoestrogen diet will do the trick. A Western diet contains amounts of phytoestrogens too low to allow their levels in plasma to become high enough for biological activity. Reducing the amount of phytoestrogen foods in one’s diet may be helpful. There are plenty of ways to add phytoestrogens to your diet. But loading up on supplemental phytoestrogens won’t undo the effects of a poor diet, he cautions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of low levels of intake of phytoestrogens in Western habitual diet on vascular function. Short-term effects of phytoestrogen-rich diet on postmenopausal women. Restoring phytoestrogen intake http://www.phuketherb.com/phytoestrogen-natural-plant-estrogen.html



Thanks to Wirat Muenpan for contributing this article to our Menopause blog:

Symptoms Of Low Estrogen Levels

Can you answer michaelson0416’s question about Menopause?:

I am having a hysterectomy in 12 days and I am so nervous. I had a C-Section 3 years ago and I know how painful that was, is it any thing like that? I know it will be abdominal. I am just trying to figure out how I am going to do this, it is bad enough I am going to have to climb 3 flights of stairs after the surgery to get to my apartment and have to take care of my 8 and 3 year old kids. I also had to move to this town with no family to help me (cause of hurricane katrina). I am just hoping I can do this by myself. My main worry is after the surgery I have 2 weeks until my son starts school and I am wondering if I will be ok to drive him to school ? Please let me know any experiences anyone have had .

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Can you answer jecaerinb’s question about Menopause?:

My doctor just prescribed Clomid and Progesterone. We’ve been trying for about 8 months. The clomid is for the beginning of my cycle and the progesterone is for the 2nd half of my cycle. Has anyone else also taken this combination and how did it work out?

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Hysterectomy and menopause continues to create confusion among many women who are not sure whether the latter will be induced by having a hysterectomy. In explaining what can occur let’s look at the link between the two.

Firstly, what is a hysterectomy? In simple terms, it’s the removal of a women’s uterus and cervix or part of a women’s uterus. Some procedures may also involve removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The Effects Of Hysterectomy

So how does a hysterectomy affect menopause? Women can no longer menstruate or become pregnant following a hysterectomy but it seems there is confusion surrounding the issue of whether this means that menopause has occurred. Simply explained, if one or both of the ovaries are retained then menopausal onset could continue as normal. In fact, one of three things could happen: the ovaries will continue to function normally until menopause occurs; the ovaries could stop functioning as soon as one year following surgery or ovarian failure could be silent.

What Is Surgical Menopause?

Complete removal of the ovaries in pre-menopausal women will result in a drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels which can bring on what is described as surgical menopause. A sudden drop in ovarian production can lead to menopause symptoms occuring just a few days following the procedure. The increased risk of osteoporosis is one of the downsides to this as well as the usual symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for women who experience surgical menopause. This can help alleviate some of the symptoms such as hot flushes. Information on the benefits of HRT are sketchy to say the least with the treatment having both it’s detractors and supporters. Whether it’s the right course of action for you can only be made following a consultation with your health physician. The good news for women who elect to skip HRT is that there are alternative and more natural treatments available and this should be one of the first questions you ask your doctor.

Women who have one or both of their ovaries left behind following a hysterectomy will generally experience ovarian production until menopause is reached. The difference is that hormone levels can fluctuate alarmingly or, they can stop producing a lot sooner than expected. If it’s the latter and oestrogen deficiency is recognized, then a visit to the doctor is of the utmost importance.

More Issues To Consider

There are other issues regarding whether the ovaries should be left behind. The threat of ovarian cancer always lingers and many doctors will advise their patients to consider removing them. The risk however, is low and in many cases if the ovaries are relatively healthy then many patients will elect to retain either one or both.

Hysterectomy and menopause seems like a very complex issue on the surface and in reality it is because there are many factors to consider. Hysterectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the western world for women and for most, it’s a decision made after lengthy analysation. You’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons with your doctor before making any decision.



Thanks to Dean Caporella for contributing this article to our Menopause blog:

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