For many women, a hysterectomy is a life-altering procedure that can significantly improve quality of life by addressing debilitating conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or severe pelvic pain.
However, recovery from a hysterectomy, whether partial or total, requires a multifaceted approach to ensure optimal healing and long-term well-being.
- A partial hysterectomy (also called a subtotal hysterectomy) removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed, depending on the individual’s condition and the surgical approach.
- A full hysterectomy (also called a total hysterectomy) removes both the uterus and cervix. If the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed, it is called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Functional and longevity medicine offers a unique perspective on recovery, integrating advanced therapies that promote healing, balance hormones, and support overall wellness.
The removal of the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries, can create profound hormonal shifts in the body, especially if the ovaries are removed (surgical menopause). Symptoms like fatigue, low libido, impaired orgasmic potential, hot flashes, mood swings, and disrupted sleep can arise, alongside the physical healing required from the surgery itself.
Conventional approaches may overlook the root causes of these symptoms, but functional and longevity medicine focuses on addressing these challenges comprehensively.
Key Components of Recovery
1. IV Therapy for Accelerated Healing
IV micronutrient therapy delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption. This therapy can be customized to include:
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen production for tissue repair and boosts immunity.
- Magnesium: Relieves muscle tension and improves sleep.
- B-Complex Vitamins: Combat fatigue and improve energy metabolism.
- Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that aids detoxification and reduces inflammation.
These nutrients are critical for cellular repair and immune support, making IV therapy a cornerstone of post-hysterectomy recovery.
2. Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance and Pain Relief
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been widely recognized for its ability to:
- Regulate hormonal imbalances by stimulating the endocrine system.
- Reduce pain and inflammation through the release of endorphins.
- Improve circulation, promoting faster healing of surgical sites.
- Enhance emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
Regular acupuncture sessions can help women recover not only physically but also emotionally after this significant surgery.
3. Massage Therapy for Stress Relief and Circulation
Massage therapy is a valuable tool for improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and easing postoperative discomfort. Techniques such as lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling and improve detoxification. Additionally, massage can:
- Lower cortisol levels, supporting hormonal recovery.
- Improve sleep quality, essential for healing.
- Promote relaxation and reduce scar tissue adhesions over time.
4. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
For women experiencing significant hormonal shifts after a hysterectomy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be transformative. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to those produced by the body, making them more easily recognized and utilized. BHRT can: (most women exhibit t1 deficiency symptoms regardless if the ovaries were taken or not; the surgery itself causes deficiency of ovarian production, and T1 goes first., so we would want to address t1 def in all women and watch for the inevitable e2 def symptoms as they come faster, even with ovaries left (1 or 2)
- Alleviate symptoms of surgical menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and low libido.
- Support bone density and cardiovascular health.
- Improve skin elasticity and overall vitality.
- Restores vaginal tissue health by improving moisture, elasticity, and thickness, reducing dryness, discomfort, and the risk of vaginal atrophy.
A functional medicine practitioner can tailor a BHRT protocol to meet individual needs, ensuring safe and effective hormone optimization.
5. Nutritional Strategies for Recovery
Nutrition is the foundation of recovery, and specific dietary strategies can support healing and hormonal balance:
- Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, alongside antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Protein-Rich Diet: Adequate protein intake supports tissue repair and muscle recovery.
- Phytoestrogens: Foods like soy, flaxseeds, and lentils can naturally support hormonal health.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated aids in detoxification and overall well-being.
A clinical nutritionist can provide personalized recommendations through counseling to optimize nutrient intake and address individual health concerns.
The Long-Term Benefits of a Functional Approach
A functional and longevity medicine approach not only aids in the immediate recovery after a hysterectomy but also supports long-term health and wellness.
By addressing the root causes of symptoms and promoting hormonal balance, this approach helps women regain their energy, vitality, and confidence.
If you’re navigating life after a hysterectomy, consider incorporating these integrative therapies into your recovery plan. Functional and longevity medicine provides tools and strategies to help you heal, thrive, and embrace this new chapter with resilience and strength.
Ready to Begin Your Recovery Journey?
At Nava Health, we specialize in integrative, personalized care for women’s health and wellness. From advanced IV therapies to bioidentical hormone replacement and acupuncture, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation today to explore how we can help you recover and achieve your health goals.
As our Associate Medical Director, Dr. Angela De Rosa is integral to the continued education and innovation here at Nava Health. Dr. Angela DeRosa, DO, MBA, CPE, is a dynamic professional on a mission to change the face of women’s health and wellness. As a respected, internationally recognized authority on women’s hormonal health, Dr. DeRosa understands the range of health issues women face leading up to and during menopause, as she was in full-blown menopause by age 35. Dr. DeRosa has more than 25 years of experience in the medical field, both on the pharmaceutical side and in clinical practice.
Dr. DeRosa’s enthusiasm for educating patients on the realities of menopause and the risk factors of hormonal health imbalances has never waned. It was the driving force behind her first bestselling book, A Woman’s Health Survival Guide: How to Prevent Your Doctor From Slowly Killing You. Her book and its controversial title caught the attention of the public, media, and the medical community.
Dr. DeRosa is on the advisory board for the European Menopause and Andropause Society, a member of the International Menopause Society International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and a researcher on women’s health issues. Dr. DeRosa is a Midwestern University Clinical Assistant Professor and a Past Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association President.