Question 74

Do women who have had a hysterectomy have special needs?

Doctor N,

I had a total hysterectomy 10 years ago at the age of 32, because of endometriosis. I have had trouble ever since, I tried all the synthetic HRT's right after surgery for 5 years with a lot of side effects and because of my fear of the breast cancer, for the last 5 years have tried natural products, but they never get rid of my hot flashes. I've had it-I'm at my wits end. I don't know where to turn now. No one has ever been able to answer my question: Does a woman who has had a total hysterectomy have different needs or a specific HRT treatment than a woman who is going through menopause naturally? I hope you can help me. Thanks.

Reply:

I am sorry that you are having this problem.  The answer is yes. If they are to maintain their quality of life and sexuality, many, but not all women who have had a hysterectomy require an individualized HRT program. My area of practice for the last 15 years has been the special needs of women whose lives have been altered by their menopause and it should be no surprise to you that the majority of these women have had a hysterectomy. A great deal of the information in the sections of the web site are specifically intended to provide women like yourself with access to the the information and options to restore their previous quality of life.

To make a long story short ... You probably could feel a lot better with appropriate therapy.

First things first. Read the sections of the web site, Hysterectomy Overview, all the sections under the HRT, Sex and Menopause headings and any of the Ask Dr N questions that seem to apply to you. This will give you some insight as to why you feel the way you do and why as well as some options that may be of help. You can access these sections from their links on the main menu on the home page. www.drn4u.com

After you have read the material you can get back to me if you like and we will try and point you in the right direction. I would also like to where you live in as this will give me some insight as to what resources are available in your area.

Dr N