This is especially true if the hysterectomy is combined with the removal of the ovaries (called an oophorectomy). When these two procedures are combined, a woman’s 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 primary source of estrogen, which is the ovaries, has been removed.
Hormone replacement therapy 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.
Here’s what you need to know.
Symptoms of Low Estrogen After Hysterectomy
During the menopausal phase, the body commonly experiences certain symptoms, even if the phase was initiated due to surgical intervention. The following are the symptoms that indicate low levels of estrogen after a hysterectomy:
- Increased irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy After a Hysterectomy
Although a hysterectomy or an oophorectomy can be very disruptive to the biological processes that regulate a woman’s mood, body functioning and comfort, one of the most common approaches to alleviating the negative effects of estrogen loss is bioidentical hormone replacement.
Natural Estrogen Replacement After Hysterectomy
Bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy involves the use of man-made hormones derived from plant estrogen. Chemically, bioidentical hormone replacements are the same as the natural hormones the body produces. This is why bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is considered a natural way to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause.
This is different from traditional hormone replacement therapy. In traditional therapies, hormones are prescribed in the form of medication, supplied by a pharmaceutical company, and given to patients in standard dosages. In contrast, custom-made hormones are tailored to meet the specific needs of an individual. A doctor oversees the administration of custom-made hormones and ensures the patient receives the correct dosage and amount of hormones.
How to Manage the Side Effects of Menopause
In addition to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, here are other options that can help restore hormone balance after menopause.
Going on an Estrogen-Rich Diet
Eating a diet rich in phytoestrogens can be beneficial for women in maintaining healthy estrogen levels. Numerous foods such as soy, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, fruits, garlic, flax seeds, and sesame seeds are rich in estrogen and can be incorporated into a woman’s diet to regulate estrogen levels. Preparing meals that utilize these ingredients can be helpful in promoting estrogen regulation within the body.
Exercise
Weight gain is a common occurrence among women during perimenopause and menopause. However, regular moderate exercise can help prevent some of this weight gain and promote good health for women.
Get Enough Sleep
Hormonal shifts during menopause can disrupt a woman’s sleep, leading to a slower metabolism and potential weight gain. Increasing the duration of sleep at night can be helpful in counteracting these effects.
Get Help for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopause and perimenopause can be disruptive, particularly after a major surgical procedure like a hysterectomy, regardless of whether your ovaries have been removed or preserved. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions.
At Nava Health and Vitality Center, we perform evaluations to help people undergoing hormonal changes. Our hormone therapies can help put your body back into balance. With the use of advanced diagnostic techniques, our team of healthcare professionals can develop a customized treatment plan to help regulate your hormone levels. Our ultimate goal is to help our patients feel their best and achieve optimal health and vitality.
Contact Nava Health and Vitality Center for Hormone Replacement Therapy and Weight Loss
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes. This includes hormonal shifts, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. This is particularly true for people over the age of 40, who may experience rapid hormonal changes that affect their overall well-being. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended to address these changes.
It is crucial to receive Hormone replacement treatment from a qualified medical professional who has experience in the field and an in-depth understanding of the body’s hormones. At Nava Health and Vitality Center, our team of healthcare professionals specializes in providing personalized HRT treatment plans.
Call us today or make an online appointment.
A Medical Director, and one of the first physicians to join the Nava Health & Vitality Center, Dr. Douglas Lord has made significant contributions to our Center and its founding principles. Dr. Lord has helped develop and implement the Nava Method™—Nava’s proprietary approach to total body wellness. He has also been instrumental in liaising with other expert practitioners to successfully implement Nava’s range of therapies, treatments, and products.