The Role Of HRT After A Hysterectomy

HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, is a form of treatment that is designed to replace estrogen hormones in women. It comes in the form of a pill, patch, spray, gel, or implant. This type of treatment is administered in order to try and combat menopausal symptoms, which can include mood swings, hot flushes, excessive sweating, urinal and vaginal problems, vaginal bleeding, emotional problems, and a variety of other changes or symptoms. Most women will reach menopause between the ages of forty five and fifty five.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy

Although for most women the menopause comes about naturally in their forties or fifties, having a hysterectomy performed whilst still at a pre-menopause age can actually bring about the menopause. This is known as a surgical menopause.

Not all women will experience menopause as a result of a hysterectomy. But if both ovaries are removed, or the ovaries fail after the operation, then HRT is recommended. The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and in small amounts, testosterone. Losing the ovaries, or the functioning of the ovaries, will disrupt a woman's hormonal system before her body has had time to adjust.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy is one option for those that have had both ovaries removed, although it is not necessary if the ovaries are present and functioning. The sudden onset of menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy can be very distressing and difficult to cope with. Therefore, many women do seek treatment in the form of hormone replacement therapy.

For those experiencing surgical menopause the symptoms can seem more severe than those dealt with by women going through a natural menopause. Seeking appropriate treatment is important in order to try and relieve some of these problems. These symptoms are unlikely to go away for some time, so it's important to speak to your doctor about taking HRT, or to discuss an alternative if you prefer.

In the event that you do take HRT after menopause, you will usually be prescribed an estrogen-only replacement therapy. The regular combination HRT, which includes the progestogen component, is normally prescribed to reduce the risk of thickening of the uterus. This will not be an issue for those whot have had a hysterectomy, as they will no longer have their uterus.

There are other steps that you can take to try and ease menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy. These can be pursued alongside HRT or as an alternative if you don't want to take synthetic hormones. These steps include eating a balanced diet which has plenty of calcium and phytoestrogens, taking regular exercise, (although you should obviously avoid strenuous activity until the healing process has been completed), and trying herbal and natural treatments where appropriate.