Contact Your Physician For Help With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Whether youre experiencing menopause after a hysterectomy where your ovaries have been kept or removed, you may need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Menopause and perimenopause can be very disruptive, especially following a major surgical procedure.
The best way to lessen the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause is through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. At Nava Health and Vitality Center, we perform evaluations to help people going through hormone changes. Our hormone therapies can help put your body back into balance. To find out more about hormone replacement therapy, weight loss help, diagnostic services and skin care and aesthetics, make an appointment online.
Removal Of The Ovaries
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that a woman’s ovaries should only be removed if there’s a significant risk of associated disease, such as ovarian cancer.
If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, removing your ovaries may be recommended to prevent you getting cancer in the future.
Your surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of removing your ovaries with you. If your ovaries are removed, your fallopian tubes will also be removed.
If you have already gone through the menopause or you’re close to it, removing your ovaries may be recommended regardless of the reason for having a hysterectomy.
This is to protect against the possibility of ovarian cancer developing.
Some surgeons feel it’s best to leave healthy ovaries in place if the risk of ovarian cancer is small for example, if there’s no family history of the condition.
This is because the ovaries produce several female hormones that can help protect against health problems such as weak bones . They also play a part in feelings of sexual desire and pleasure.
If you’d prefer to keep your ovaries, make sure you have made this clear to your surgeon before your operation.
You may still be asked to give consent to treatment for having your ovaries removed if an abnormality is found during the operation.
Think carefully about this and discuss any fears or concerns you have with your surgeon.
Possible Side Effects Of Hormones Therapy After Hysterectomy
Some possible side effects associated with HRT after total hysterectomy include:
- Increased risk of developing heart diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.
- Increased risk of developing different types of cancers including breast cancer and endometrial cancers
- Blood clotting disorders
- Increased density of breast mass , which can cause problems in detection of breast cancer.
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Balance Your Estrogen Levels With Whole Health
If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen after getting a hysterectomy, Whole Health JC can offer treatment options.
Dr. Jen will start with a comprehensive visit with you during which your hormone levels will be tested either through drawing your blood or by saliva testing. This will help determine if estrogen treatment is necessary.
You will receive a customized hormone replacement treatment to give your body what it needs.
At Whole Health JC, we do not use a commercially-branded bioidentical hormone replacement and instead use Tolson Drug Apothecary which will compound your unique hormone cream or prescribe traditional hormone replacement.
Visit our website or call us at 573-893-5500 for a free consultation.
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The Cons: Reasons To Lean Against Hrt After Surgical Menopause
- Your menopausal symptoms aren’t bothering you, or other treatments work fine. Some women don’t have very severe symptoms after surgical menopause and don’t want or need treatment. Even if you do have acute symptoms, HRT is not the only way to control them. Other drugs or lifestyle changes can help. Talk to your doctor.Ã
- You’re 50 or older. Many women who go into surgical menopause at 50 or older — the natural time of menopause – decide not to get HRT. That’s because their supply of estrogen would naturally drop during menopause anyway. There is some evidence that the older you are when you start HRT, the higher the cardiovascular risks – at least initially.Ã
- You have liver disease. Estrogen pills can put a lot of stress on the liver. So if you have liver disease, your doctor may not want you to take oral HRT. Other ways of getting estrogen – like patches and gels – bypass the liver and are safer options.Ã
- You’re concerned about the side effects. HRT can also cause symptoms of its own. Many resemble the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome — swollen and painful breasts, headaches, and nausea.Ã
- You’re at a higher risk of health problems like:
o Strokes. Hormone therapy can increase the risk of stroke, although your odds are still very low.
o Blood clots. Oral estrogen, at least, may also raise the risk of blood clots. Estrogen patches and creams may pose a lower risk, but that’s still unclear.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy After Hysterectomy For Postmenopausal Women
Postmenopausal patients who receive hysterectomies are at risk for possible major health problems and may require further invasive surgeries if estrogen levels are not managed. Some of the rare but serious negative effects that come with hysterectomy after menopause are:
Estrogen is believed to have a role in helping regulate blood flow in the inner layer of the artery wall. When theres a decline in estrogen levels, heart disease and complications are likely to increase for women after menopause. Its important to exercise regularly and have a healthy diet to manage and reduce chances for heart attacks, strokes, or high blood pressure.
The estrogen hormone is also linked to helping promote strong bones. Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to get thin and weaken, most likely as a result when the osteoblasts and osteoclasts lose their ability to work together.
Estrogen powers the osteoclasts to absorb bones. The lack of this hormone can lead to bone loss or make the vulnerable parts of the body such as the spine and hips more prone to fractures.
Postmenopausal women are also at risk for neurological problems after hysterectomy. This is commonly known as peripheral neuropathy which is a condition where nerves are damaged and can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet.
The Benefits Of Progesterone Treatment After Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is both sudden and prolonged. Thesurgery itself can leave a woman in the hospital for 2-3 days. The recoveryperiod can be up to eight weeks, and rarely fewer than six. But unlike withsome surgeries, the effects often dont fade into memory. Particularly when youhave a hysterectomy that includes removal of the ovaries before you enternatural menopause, you can experience sudden and lasting hormonalupheaval.
This can be a significant challenge, both mentally and physically. The impact of surgical menopause can not only complicate recovery, but fundamentally change the way you live your life. For some women, it is devastating. When a hysterectomy is coupled with a removal of ovaries, the aftermath can be uncomfortable, painful, emotionally distressing, and even dangerous. For this reason, many women seek hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy for women without a uterus has traditionally been estrogen-only. However, there may be meaningful benefits of progesterone treatment after hysterectomy. Both approaches have pros and cons, risks and rewards, and taking a closer look at your options is essential to developing a treatment plan that works for you.
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What Is The Difference Between Synthetic And Bioidentical Hormones
Both bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones are created in a laboratory, but the primary distinction is the source of the raw material.
Synthetic hormones are produced using artificial chemicals, whereas bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources.
While there is no actual research to back up whether bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective, the long list of side effects from synthetic hormones may make you want to choose wisely between the two.
The side effects of synthetic hormones can be quite severe and range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the most common side effects are:
Of course, no matter what hormone replacement therapy a woman is taking, you should always consult your doctor before starting.
Some women cannot take any form of hormone replacement therapy, and the options need to be carefully considered.
Hormone Therapy After Hysterectomy Surgery
Definition
Hormones after hysterectomy can experience some changes. Hormone replacement therapy need to be used with medical suggestions and necessary warns.
According to some research studies, intake of hormones after hysterectomy can enhance the risk of particular health concerns. This is the reason that a lot of women today are actually interested in understanding if it is safe to think about hormone replacement therapy after total hysterectomy. The answer is yes. In reality, simply a years ago, hormone replacement therapy was regularly recommended to every menopausal women. However, with advancements in the field of science, lots of research studies concluded that uncontrolled use of estrogen as part of some hormone replacement treatments can aggravate the risk of complications. But it is necessary to keep in mind that decision-making procedure is not that easy, because absence of estrogen due to natural or surgical is associated with several concerns too.
Lets review the factors that are highly associated with using hormones after hysterectomy procedure to ease the menopausal symptoms.
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How Can Hormones Change After A Hysterectomy
The “bioidentical” in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy means that the hormones we introduce back into the body are like those produced biologically. In some cases, as in those of life-changing events like menopause or a hysterectomy, a patient’s hormones may drop at a rapid rate. As a result, this changes how a patient’s body processes are regulated and can lead to multiple changes, including mood swings, hot flashes, and sexual dysfunction.
We can decide if you’re a good candidate for BHRT on a per-patient basis, but by replacing the lost production of hormones or correcting an imbalance, we can help you enjoy some significant improvements. These include more energy, better sexual function, and mental focus, as well as the cessation of adverse effects like weight gain, irritability, depression, loss of bone density, and more.
Can You Still Get Cysts On Your Ovaries After A Hysterectomy
Almost 50% of patients with ROS require surgery within the first 5 years after hysterectomy, and 75% within 10 years . Possible pathologies that can occur in residual ovaries include follicular cysts, a hemorrhagic corpus luteum, periovarian adhesions, endometriosis, and benign and malignant neoplasms.
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Hormone Replacement For Hysterectomy
Reviewed By:Dr. Douglas Lord
Hysterectomies are a common procedure for women experiencing certain types of conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and other problems. Removal of the uterus is a major procedure that can have a big impact on a womans life, including her comfort and health.
This is especially true if the hysterectomy is combined with removal of the ovaries . When these two procedures are combined, the womans estrogen production nearly stops, and the woman enters a phase called surgical menopause. Surgical menopause is a condition that occurs when the body is forced to begin menopause because the main source of estrogen, the ovaries, has been removed.
Using hormone replacement after a hysterectomy can help alleviate the symptoms of surgical menopause. Understanding what surgical menopause is, how it affects the body and what can be done to lessen the symptoms of surgical menopause can help you stay healthy in the event that this type of procedure is recommended for you.Heres what you need to know.
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Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
The best course of treatment to relieve the negative side effects and symptoms of hysterectomy for postmenopausal women is menopausal hormone therapy . Nowadays, its better known as hormone replacement therapy and is a popular treatment for women with low hormone levels.
Hormone therapy is a process where women take estrogen and progestin to help reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalance. It works by introducing new hormones through systemic hormone therapy or low-dose vaginal products.
To differentiate, systemic hormone therapy usually contains higher doses of estrogen and progestin and is the go-to treatment for common signs of menopause. On the other hand, low-dose vaginal products minimize the amount of estrogen and are only used to treat vaginal and urinary problems due to menopause.
Long-term estrogen therapy is recommended for women who are nearing menopause and have undergone a hysterectomy. Hormone therapy can be administered in different forms by registered physicians depending on their diagnosis on the individual. It comes in:
Today, bioidentical hormones are used for most estrogen therapies. These are natural hormones derived from plants and vegetables like yam and soy and are preferred because they produce hormones that are similar to those already present in the body.
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Should You Take Replacement Therapy Of Hormones After Hysterectomy
1. Reasons to Take HRT After Hysterectomy
HRT or hormonal replacement therapy after hysterectomy is generally comprise of estrogen and progestin. These hormones are usually administered in combination but can be consumed alone, depending upon indications and risk-factor profile. These hormones are advised because the estrogen and progesterone producing organ are removed via hysterectomy.
However, here is something you should know:
If both ovaries and uterus are removed, the female should consider estrogen replacement therapy if only ovaries are removed, it is vital to consider a combination of estrogen and progestin, because only estrogen can aggravate the risk of cancer in uterus, and combining estrogen with progestin can reduce the risk of cancer development.
2. Precautions of Taking HRT After Hysterectomy
After administration of estrogen and progesterone, the symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness are usually relieved. But it is possible that the amount of these hormones produced in the body may undergo some changes.
In order to reduce the risk of hormonal fluctuations, healthcare providers consider different concentrations and combinations of these hormones to identify the most appropriate dosage. It is to be noted that HRT is not recommended in every case. Below are two:
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What Is Hrt And What Options For Hrt Exist
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of menopause. HRT may include estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to help maintain womens hormone levels.
After a total hysterectomy, estrogen replacement therapy or ERT is often recommended due to the removal of the ovaries, which are responsible for making the hormone. ERT can help counteract the symptoms of surgical menopause when the body no longer produces it naturally.
A doctor may choose a combination of estrogen and progesterone for HRT. Progesterone can help minimize any negative impacts from too much estrogen in the body, including a higher risk for breast cancer. The combination is often prescribed when only the ovaries are removed to prevent the risk for uterine cancer. However, this is generally not a concern when a hysterectomy is performed for uterine fibroids because the uterus is removed.
Dietary Estrogen Supplement Alternatives
Certified nutritionist Phyllis Balch reports that essential fatty acids, vitamin E and melatonin are used as alternatives. They help the body produce estrogen, possibly decreasing menopause symptoms such as:
Take essential fatty acids in unheated, liquid form. Do not exceed 200 IUs of vitamin E if you take a blood thinner. Take the recommended daily dosage if you have rheumatic heart disease, an overactive thyroid or diabetes. Slowly increase a 100 IU dose to the desired amount, if you have high blood pressure. Take melatonin supplements not more than 2 hours before bedtime, if you do not have a weakened immune system.
- Certified nutritionist Phyllis Balch reports that essential fatty acids, vitamin E and melatonin are used as alternatives.
- Take melatonin supplements not more than 2 hours before bedtime, if you do not have a weakened immune system.
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Why Hormone Replacement Therapy Helps
Like Billie, many women experience sudden and severe symptoms following the removal or failure of their ovaries. Theyre experiencing a condition called surgical or induced menopausewhen estrogen plummets to the level seen in women who have already completed natural menopause. For those who do undergo natural menopause, these symptoms appear slowly as the ovaries gradually stop producing hormones, and the transition can be uncomfortable and even unbearable. But women who have surgically induced menopause experience this hormonal change immediately, and often struggle with far more severe symptoms.
Menopause can feel different for different women, and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other symptoms can last for years following their last period. For young women in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, its safe to assume that surgical menopause may have a serious impact on quality of life due to such symptoms. Having your ovaries removed also increases your risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinsons Disease, and dementia, which are serious side effects that can be prevented through additional medical intervention. Fortunately, hormone therapy can help reduce many of these symptoms and risks.
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Why Take Hormone Replacement Therapy After Hysterectomy
1. Hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy reduces some risks for younger women. Risks associated with HRT in the WHI study primarily involved older menopausal women . Women who undergo hysterectomy, including the removal of their ovaries will experience menopausal symptoms due to caused by the removal of the ovaries which are the primary manufacturers of estrogen. Health experts are convinced that instead of being harmful, hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy is beneficial in helping younger women to go on with their normal lives even after the surgical procedure. Proof that HRT helps decrease the risks for heart disease and Parkinsons disease among young women is gradually taking shape and has long been shown to prevent/treat osteoporosis.
2. HRT after hysterectomy is shown to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes by as much as 75 percent. HRT is proven to be effective in relieving many menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Other alternative treatment options are not as effective.
3. HRT after hysterectomy offers other health benefits. It has been demonstrated to have a role in decelerating osteoporosis and in intensifying bone density. Estrogen and progesterone therapy is also believed to somehow lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
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