Should You Get a Hysterectomy or Not?
Do you suffer from heavy bleeding or fibroids? Have you been told that you need to get a hysterectomy and you wonder if it's really necessary? Since many (most?) hysterectomies are done to treat heavy bleeding and/or fibroids (this is so common now!), I wanted to let you know that below in the related links you'll find information on how high doses of the right vitamin A (in cod liver oil) can take care of that problem; unfortunately most doctors don't know this. You'll also read more today about how taking bio-identicals can help.
Should you get a hysterectomy? Is it really necessary?
Recently I received a very interesting email from a reader friend, Susan:
Hi Kelly, I am in my 40's and at that age where everyone around me is starting to get, or has already had, a hysterectomy. I always used to joke that my uterus was for sale; I was done having periods! But then after
reading in one of Suzanne Somers' books, Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness, that hysterectomies are way over-performed unnecessarily in this country, I started to investigate, should I need one in the future. Suzanne says the ONLY time a woman should have a hysterectomy is when it is cancer or medically necessary from childbirth, etc.
reading in one of Suzanne Somers' books, But the sad fact is, that doctors are doing them for no reason at all. (There's that evil money thing again!) One of my girlfriend's doctors told her she should do it even though she is not having any problems. When she asked him why he told her it was time, that she is the right age! Another girlfriend was starting to get the heavy bleeding that comes with age, her doctor told her that all he could do to help was to take out her uterus. A forward thinking doctor would have balanced her hormones with bio-identicals to ease up on the bleeding. Instead, 2 weeks later, she had her uterus removed. Since then she has had her bladder operated on twice because it keeps falling down. Her joints ache, she has gained weight and she is often depressed. Keep in mind, her only complaint before the surgery was heavy bleeding.
When I think about the people I know who have gone through it, 8 out of 10 of them have failing health that all started shortly after their hysterectomies.
I came across this video while researching, and coupled with the info I've learned from Suzanne and her doctors, and the info in the video, I will never, ever let someone remove my uterus. (Unless, of course, there is cancer.)
I think every woman should see this movie. Young and old. Women with a uterus and women who have already had it removed, because I don't think doctors are ever very honest with us. How many women who have had a hysterectomy and are wondering why they feel so crappy, yet all the doctors do is give them Prozac and tell them to go home? Obviously, they can't get their uterus re-installed, but it may provide some knowledge that will help them get help from someone who understands. And for those, like myself, who always believed a hysterectomy would be a blessing, will be in for a real eye opener.
Here's the video. It's only 12 minutes, but it is packed with info. Listen to the symptoms and see how many of your loved ones and girlfriends you recognize.
I think this is something that all women should know!!
(Note from Kelly, even though the information in this video is read in a monotonous voice, parts of what you'll hear are very disturbing, but being aware is always a good thing.)
A quote from the video:
“The most consistent problems women experience after a hysterectomy are loss of sexual feeling, a loss of vitality, joint pain, profound fatigue and personality change.”
More from Susan:
P.S. I did show this video to my friend before she had the surgery and when she went to the doctor with the facts she learned, he blew her off and told her, “I'm the doctor.” Now crippled with pain most days, I bet she wishes she would have found a new doctor.
The book that Suzanne spoke about this in is “Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness” and the person she is interviewing who said a uterus should only be removed for cancer is Dr. Jennifer Berman – the urologist and renowned expert in the field of female urology and female sexual medicine. Dr. Berman said most doctors don't acknowledge, or simply don't know, that there are many other ways to deal with female problems. It is too easy, and lucrative, to just encourage a hysterectomy.
Another person she interviews in the book, Dr. Steven Hotze, said that any woman, regardless of age, whom has had a hysterectomy, is being surgically thrown into menopause, and then usually left to fend for herself as her hormones begin to decline and she becomes more and more ill.
Kelly, I don't know if you have read any of Suzanne's book, but if you are new to her work, I would start with “Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones” and then go onto to “Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness.”
“Ageless” gives a complete look at bioidentical hormones.
Are you familiar with them? If not, let me sum them up for you quickly: The reason Suzanne, and a growing number of doctors, love bioidenticals is because our bodies have a clock in them. Once we are no longer considered “viable” any longer because we are too old to procreate, our hormones begin to decline. It's natures way of slowly shutting us down and preparing us for death. This is why older people get Alzheimers, MS, arthritis, heart problems and strokes. We can't procreate, so it is time for us to leave the earth. But by balancing those fading hormones through bioidenticals, you trick the brain into believing you are still young and vital. The brain, receiving plenty of the youthful hormones through replacement, now has no reason to allow the body to become ill because it believes you are still young.
Many of the doctors she interviews for her books believe hysterectomies can be avoided simply by bringing balance back to the brain and body.
I know that's true because my friend had a hysterectomy at 32 and the doctors gave her nothing afterward. Not even the toxic Big Pharma hormones – nothing! She has since been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression and then MS. I begged her to get her hormones checked. When she finally relented, and was put on bioidentical estrogen because she had NONE, within days she was out of bed. Within weeks her husband was calling to thank me for encouraging her to look into bioidenticals because he finally had his wife back!
Kelly, I don't know if you have read any of Suzanne's book, but if you are new to her work, I would start with “Have you already had a hysterectomy?!
There may be times when a hysterectomy is necessary. Please know that this post is not a judgment on your decision. Just be aware of this information and share it with others so they can be informed about all the risks and options before moving forward. Do not use this information to beat yourself up over what you didn't know until now!
Are you familiar with bioidenticals?
I'd love to hear more about that if anyone has experience with them or with anything mentioned today.
Susan also shared some interesting links:
Here's a link showing how many hysterectomies are done each year. Take note of how many are done in the 15-24 age group…- This link has some good stats too…
Here's a link showing - Another book that many have been recommending is this one: Sex, Lies, and Menopause: The Shocking Truth About Synthetic Hormones and the Benefits of Natural Alternatives
- Did you see this post? The Dangers of the Birth Control Pill
- Read Three Case Histories: 1. Living with cancer (unrelated to this post), 2. A woman who was tricked into having a hysterectomy (!), 3. Learn more about vitamin A for bleeding disorders.
- One woman's story of treating heavy bleeding and fibroids – more about vitamin A and taking more cod liver oil for heavy bleeding.
prayrosary4life says
Oh My Word – seriously?! Yikes! I am 48, almost 49, and was diagnosed with endometriosis stage four at age forty one when I was newly married. I needed two surgeries to clean out the lovely endometriosis, bi-lateral endometriomas, and fibroids. I was under the care of a wonderful Napro technology physician for several years, but last August he closed his office to accept a new position as a director to teach Napro to other physicians. I miss him very much. He was very kind and so smart. I visited another GYN in my area who sent me for an ultrasound. I still have the bi-lateral endometriomas on my ovaries and fibroids. This new doctor told me due to the endometriosis, I am at risk for ovarian cancer, recommended me to be put on Lupron (a bad drug with horrible side effects) to clean me out and then she would do a hysterectomy. I went home, researched Lupron with my husband, learned of all the bad side effects, called her up, and told her “No way!”. The doctors like her (Not the Napro doctor) have managed to scare me for several years telling me in the beginning before the endo diagnosis “We don’t know what the cysts are on your ovaries. It could be Cancer.” and then after the endo diagnosis with “Women with endo have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer”. This scared me so much and caused much fear and anxiety over the years. They had me almost convinced I need a hysterectomy eventually. Today I came across several articles on how they perform the hysterectomy surgery and side effects of getting a hysterectomy and now I’m totally against ever getting one. Again I say, “No way!). Thank you so much for that. I am still trying to learn how to eat right, lose weight, and researching how to get rid of these endometriomas and fibroids on my own. I heard Braggs Cider Vinegar and eating raw honey can get rid of these things too. Thank you so much for your website and these articles! Keep them coming! Women need to hear this!
Maria In Mass ([email protected])
Carmen says
Thought the following would also be helpful:
Quote 1
The emotion of sex contains the secret of creative ability.
Destroy the sex glands, whether in man or beast, and you have removed the major source of action. For proof of this, observe what happens to any animal after it has been castrated. A bull becomes as docile as a cow after it has been altered sexually. Sex alteration takes out of the male, whether man or beast, all the FIGHT that was in him. Sex alteration of the female has the same effect.
(Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill – pp. 262-263)
Quote 2
Although we are trained to diagnose menopause by cessation of periods, hot flashes and elevated FSH and LH, these are late findings. Estrogen deficiency often begins many years before, and may coincide with the onset of fibromyalgia. To compound the problem, research done by Dr. Phillip Sarrel at Yale shows that 60 percent of women who have hysterectomy (even with the ovaries left in) will go into menopause within six months to two years. (Jeffrey Maitland, op. cit.) The same may apply to women who have had a tubal ligation. This is not something we were taught in our medical training, and has major implications for younger women who have had hysterectomies or tubal ligations.
(From Fatigued to Fantastic, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD – pp. 219)
Margaret says
I had a hysterectomy, 3 years ago, due to heavy bleeding at age of 52 and I also had a thyroid issue. Now, I suffer from unexplained weight loss of 40lbs after my hysterectomy. I am small framed, petite and I CANNOT gain my weight back. My butt, legs, arms are too skinny and I lost a lot of muscle mass no appetite. I don’t look the same, my hair is not the same texture. My life is ruined.
Ruby says
I’m still in disbelief when women say it didn’t affect their sexual response. It isn’t just the hormonal aspect, the uterus pulsates during climax…without having that organ the quality of orgasm diminishes. Sexual researches count the number of pulsation. As I read in the article, the vaginal walls would still respond, but intensity and sensation wouldn’t be the same. I understand the absence of pain or worry about cancer, acceptance of the altered situation, and different types of sexual expression in relationships… but don’t understand how sexual response would remain the same?
Carmen says
I also wouldn’t be surprised about the coments on this blog given the natural living that is promoted on this site. Unfortunately, the issue of hysterectomy is constantly confused because invariably someone comes along to say they have no complaints about having a hysterectomy. But what some women are complaining about are the intractable health issues that have ensued post-surgery, not about anything they may have thought or felt prior to surgery.
What we get from the women who say they are happy with having had a hysterectomy, is always focused on their relief from no longer having whatever symptoms they were dealing with prior to the surgery. These comments have nothing to do with any issues that develop after surgery, but the assumption is made that these women are not experiencing any issues.
But the focus should not be on “good” hysterectomy experience vs. “bad” hysterectomy experiences. The focus should be on facts that are in alignmnent with how the body best performs and experiences health. In the same way we can’t determine whether smoking is a problem to health by talking about people who smoke 3 packs a day and are “fine” vs people who have terminal cancer. Clearly smoking does not support optimum health, there can be no debate about that.
As such, we can make the same statement about hysterectomy, it does not support optimum health. It is a destructive procedure not a constructive or recontructrive procedure. It is marketed, performed, and profited by professionals who have a vested interest in masquerading hysterectomy as health-care and dismissing it’s consequences and risks.
These are just some of the facts that is what we should really be discussion as well as true women’s health that support the health of our sexual/reproductive organs from birth, purberty, childbrith, menopause and beyond, as well as when and/or in spite of any of the various conditions that may arise. Given that we have the practice of doctors using hysterectomy as thier go-to treatment for women’s issues, screams that any treatments prior to hysterectomy have failed on a grand scale.
Cynthia says
Your comments seem to be very one-sided. All in favor of keeping your reproductive organs at all cost. I have many women friends and a mother in law who had a range of partial hysterectomy and total hysterectomy..and know what? They ALL said they felt SO much better after hysterectomy. No more back pains. No stomach pains. No pains during sex. Energy back to normal. Emotionally healthier. So what’s up with your comments? I haven’t heard any of my women friend complain of symptoms that appear after having hysterectomy so I have to reach to the conclusion that you are praying for non-surgical alternatives because surgery is scary and removing something from the body seems unnatural.
KitchenKop says
My readers tend toward the less invasive options so that’s why the comments lean that way, too, but it’s good that you commented so people can hear both sides.
Thanks!
Kelly
margaret says
the uterus is a muscle that strongly pulsates during climax, hard to believe having it removed doesn’t change your response.
Claire says
This is a timely post for me.
I’ve just had a baby and have since been bleeding for over 6 weeks now. Often with fresh red blood. Is this normal? Surely it should die down by now. I’ll try the tips on increased High Vitamin CLO (which I already take 2 tsps daily) and ACV.
I wonder what the cause is in my case since it’s post birth.
KitchenKop says
I couldn’t remember how long I bled after babies, so I did a quick google search and it sounds like you’re in the normal range, but if you’re concerned, of course talk to your doc. 🙂
Kel
Claire says
Thanks. I thought upto 6 weeks was fine but not longer. Did a search too and found some women do bleed longer but I wonder if this is not a healthy sign? Loosing more blood does not seem efficient. It’s now been 7 weeks for me and no signs of stopping but I’ll keep going with 4 tsp CLO. Maybe I should increase the CLO more?
Flo says
I saw this pop up a few days ago right after my younger sister had her hysterectomy. She was only 41 but having so much debilitating pain. She knew I thought there were probably things she could do but she’s busy with a job she loves and I didn’t have any specifics to offer. Since she didn’t seem overly interested, I didn’t bother her more. I called her one day to find her in the hospital, post-surgery and elated to feel better than she has in a long while. I HOPE it stays that way. Of course, I saw this article a day or two later and I wished I’d caught it earlier so I’d have had a bit more to offer (I see now that it’s been here for over a year). It probably wouldn’t have changed her mind, though, since her symptoms were SO frustrating and this promised a quick change. For a busy gal who works full-time, is married and has a pre-teen daughter, it’d be hard to figure out the longer route — or even just get into that different of a mindset.
I couldn’t write until now. I was upset for her yet happy that she felt good. Thanks for addressing this issue and for everyone sharing their experiences — good and bad.
Kristin says
I wish I had learned about bioidenticals when I was younger. I had problems almost from day one. I had a hysterectomy in 2009. Initially, after recovery I was thrilled. No more pain! No more 9 day periods with hot flashes and agony. However, since then I have had migraines, been diagnosed with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, had problems with hormones and gained 30 pounds. I wish I could undo my decision. I am on bioidentical hormones and do feel better, but the weight problem is really awful. Working on cleaning my diet and getting healthy.
Hannah says
There is also something called Tubal Ligation Syndrome, where having your tubes tied can cause very heavy periods, intense cramping and horrific mood problems. I’ll never understand why people need to mess with things that aren’t broken. There are ways to avoid getting pregnant that don’t involve chemicals or surgery!
Tanya says
Hannah,
After having my tubal after my third C-section, I can tell you that I didn’t have any of the problems you mentioned. Let me ask? What would you suggest for a permanent birth control solution that doesn’t involve chemicals or surgery? The only thing I can think of is a condom. No thanks!!!! All other forms has hormones….again, no thanks!! Don’t mess with things that aren’t broken?? hmmm….so, what if you carried the gene for breast cancer…are you going to wait like a ticking time bomb? Who said having a tubal was something that would break you. Silly indeed!
Lisa says
WOW! I wish I had known all this information almost 20 yrs ago. I probably would have made a different decision for sure. I’m experiencing so many of the symptoms post-hysterectomy in my body, I had no idea they could be linked to having a hysterectomy. I am only 51, and was quite young when I had my hysterectomy. Wish I could go back and know what I know now. Thanks for sharing this video and info.
Commenter via Facebook says
After chronic bleeding and anemia, had full hysterectomy at age 50. Best thing that ever happened to me! Healthy, happy, healthy sex drive and still in 36 year marriage. On HRT.
Commenter via Facebook says
The Berman girls and Susanne Somers make a great pair of authors. I encourage all of you to read up! Get the information so you can think about it now, before you need to make a decision.
Jen says
Bio-identical hormones are one way to help but it’s not natural and it comes with it’s own set of side effects. What’s natural is getting the body into as healthy state as possible. In Chinese there is no word for “menopause”. Not because Chinese women don’t experience it but because it’s pretty much a non-event and it happens very late in life. Up until modern day, Traditional Chinese Medicine and the healthy life style of Chinese women has helped them ease into old age and menopause gracefully. Keeping all of their energy and well being. It’s just that their periods stopped.
There are a lot of down sides to bio-identical hormones. For example, the progesterone in progesterone cream is not exactly the same as the progesterone your body needs. It’s a pre-curser. The body has to convert it. Because it’s a cream and it’s fat soluable it tends to build up in fat tissues. At some point (several years) a woman using the cream will find that all of the sudden their progesterone levels start skyrocketing even though their dose didn’t change at all. What’s really happening is that the body is just “catching up” on the conversion of the cream that’s been building up in the fat storage in the body.
We promote “natural” eating and “natural” cleaning, why would we seek a solution to this problem that is so unnatural? Seek out a good TCM practitioner or herbalist in your area. You’ll be amazed at what they can do for you.
Commenter via Facebook says
I am so thankful I had my hysterectomy! My periods were so bad I couldn’t stand up straight! I was in soo much pain and bled soo much I couldn’t leave the house! My ovaries are still there and my hormones are a little out of whack, but I am so happy with my decision and mine and my husband are doing fine in the bedroom. I’m so sorry for those who have not had a better experience.
Commenter via Facebook says
I tried for four years with every kind of alternative therapy known to man! I had a severe condition( unexplained of course by modern science.) with two small children to raise and a part time job, I finally went in to my OBGYNs office begging for my uterus to be removed. They left my ovaries which gave me a natural menopause. I was depressed for about a month( albeit, I think it was more from the drugs they had me on). I have no regrets. I divorced my husband and met a sweet man who is now my husband of almost twenty years. We have amazing sex. I can take off on camping trips and river trips without worrying about bleeding profusely. I wish it had never happened to me in the first place,but please don’t make women feel guilty if they have one. By the way, I had something called Adinomiosis(sp)? My uterus was the size of a cantaloupe! It was filled with endometrial lesions.
Sara says
I have adenomyosis and no life at all because of the symptoms/ pain all month.tried ablation and regret it as so much worse now. I never wanted the hyster but now feel almost desperate for it. Other than being scared of that going wrong too. Its good to hear a positive. I am trying to decide wether to go ahead or keep trying different things. Advice would be appreciated . Adeno is so difficult as nobody has heard of it ,nor do they understand that the symptoms are so debilitating ..all month! Thanks
Commenter via Facebook says
in 2005/6 I had suffered chronic and critical aneamia and had actually asked the question “IS it possible to die of exhaustion?”. I was tested for everything under the sun and everything came back negative, but despite medication and suppliments and dietry changes according to instructions I was unable to get better. They then said it was time to have a hysterectomy … what? you have proved nothing and in the abcense of proof you are making that kind of leap? just take something out and hope it gets better? I told the quack I would never be back!
I started taking the pill omitting the placebo so that I had only one cycle every 4 month box making it 3 months (ish). If there was nothing specifically wrong with me I decided it was malabsorbtion so I went about healing my gut with probiotics and I added omega 3 to my supps to improve the hormone/nutrient exchange at a celular level and I ate fresh green foods at every meal to boost my digestion with enzymes.
I didn’t need my uterus removed … I needed good clean food and a few things added to my menu. I also reduced stress be leaving a contolling bully and I am well and healthy and on top of the world and amazingly in love and loving it!
sass says
a partial hysterectomy was necessary for me. I kept my ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. By the time I figured out what was wrong with me it was too late to try to reverse things. I had a fibroid that weighed almost 2 lbs and was the size of a 5 month pregnancy. It was also attached to my uterus in such a way that just it’s removal would have been very risky with too much bleeding. I wasn’t told to go either way, my doc let me make my decision. I worked with my Naturopath to get very healthy for the surgery and post surgery. It was an easy surgery and I healed very fast. I feel great, sex is great, life is great! I wouldn’t have normally chosen to have a partial hysterectomy but I made the choice given my age, health, and where I was in life. I also talked to others who had similar surgeries and based my decision on what I felt was the best option for me and my individual situation. No one can truly judge unless they have been through it themselves. If I had known I had fibroids, I could have worked to reduce their size when they were smaller and avoid a surgery all together. But as it is, this is how it happened. I do know that eating non organic processed foods, especially dairy and soy, contributes to the growth of fibroids and a whole host of other health related issues. Eating organic whole foods (organic pastured meats, vegetables, some fruits) with little to no grains or dairy is the best way to go to maintain the best health. The whole army of ladies saying that you must keep your uterus is silly and high and mighty. To each her own. Respect each other’s choices because we are lucky that we have the opportunity to make the choice for ourselves.
Carmen says
And “choice” is at the crux of all of this:
Women are denied choice when they are not told about the functions of female anatomy or the consequences of their removal.
Women are denied choice when they are told about a suspicion of cancer versus having evidience of confirmed cancer, thus making hysterectomy the only option.
Women are denied choice when they are only offered ineffective treatments that have not only not worked for them, but also didn’t work for the previous (however many) woman given the same treatment prior to hysterectomy being their only option.
Women are denied choice when they are told that an alterntive option is too difficult, risky, bloody, etc. so again, hysterectomy is the only option.
So yes, this is about choice, but not respecting the various choices women make – it’s about the fact that under most (if not all) cases, women are not even allowed to have choice as that would include them actually having the truth.
Linda says
I am sorry to say that is not true at least for me. I had mine back in 1976 and was only 34 years old and it didn’t change my life with my husband we now will be married 49 years in June and still have a sex life. It doesn’t make any less of a women other then it could save your life and will still be there for your children in years to come..
Naomi Williams says
Here’s my story that I’ve shared on a few blogs over the past few years:
About 10 years ago I had a 2nd degree prolapsed uterus, and I was headed for a hysterectomy. Besides heavy periods, every time I had sex I would bleed for a couple of days, and it always felt like my insides were falling out. (Because they were; there were times that my cervix actually dropped down to the entrance of my vagina.) My family doctor didn’t offer any option besides a hysterectomy. Fortunately I ignored him and did some hunting around on the internet till I found this:
https://kegelmaster2000.com/
Apparently the primary reasons women use it are for incontinence and enhanced sexual performance. Prolapsed organs were way down on the list, they barely even mentioned it, but considering it cost less than a hundred bucks, I figured what did I have to lose? It’s a really simple idea, but definitely more effective than just doing kegel exercises; think of the difference between doing bicep curls with and without any weights in your hands. Well, this is like lifting weights with your pelvic muscles. I used this thing maybe several minutes a day (make sure you lock the bedroom door or you’ll have some explaining to do to the kids!) and I was cured within 2 WEEKS! I could actually feel all of my internal organs sitting higher in my body, and my uterus was no longer sagging down.
Here I am more than 10 years later with all my lady-parts still intact and no more prolapse. I only used it for about a year, and I’ve had no need to use it since, even with all the heavy lifting and jump-roping and other vigorous things I do. So, at least in my case, my problem was not caused by hormonal imbalances but by a physical weakness that I was able to easily fix by myself.
Commenter via Facebook says
As far as tubal ligation, yes, it cuts off the main blood supply to the ovaries and menopause can start in. Our bodies work with small shifts in hormones. I would search tubal ligation on the Internet. I was really surprised at how many people wanted a reversal.
Commenter via Facebook says
I resisted pressure to have a hysterectomy years ago for endo. With lifestyle changes my life improved, went through natural menopause and no problems. I do think we jump to surgical solutions too quickly in many women’s cases. I have noticed many coworkers and other women gain a considerable amount of weight and age post hysterectomy and suffer more from poor sleep and hot flashes. Even with a thyroid problem I have experienced none of these issues.
Commenter via Facebook says
I had a tubal and it’s been just fine. Simple procedure with no negatives.
Commenter via Facebook says
I’ve heard similarly sad things about women who opted for tubal ligations for permanent birth control – can anyone confirm? My mom had one and said it was fine, then I started hearing scary things…
Commenter via Facebook says
I had one three years ago and have had no issues. My doctor did not pressure me. I had a medical condition that made my periods almost unbearably painful. He laid out all my options and left the decision to me. He did leave my ovaries. I haven’t had any hormonal issues and my sex life has not been impacted. In all honesty, it’s been a blessing. The only issue has been an emotional one knowing that I can never have another child, but I was 37, having had 4 babies and 3 c-sections, it wasn’t necessarily something I would have chosen, but it has been hard knowing that I can’t.
Commenter via Facebook says
Oophorectomy performed along with a hysterecromy puts a woman into automatic menopause, and that is not easy. This happened to me at age 26. I think it does matter how you feel prior to surgery. I had no issues with that area of my body.
Commenter via Facebook says
Wow! I have never wanted a hysterectomy, but armed with this information never will my doctor pressure me into one unless there is cancer present. That is shocking. It makes sense though, and I can’t believe I never thought of that before.
Commenter via Facebook says
I also had to have a hysterectomy. It saved my life and there have been no problems in the romance dept. I wonder if her surgery was botched.
Kat says
Oh man! My sister just had a hysterectomy in November. She had a large noncancerous fibroid (5 lbs.) and was told that would be her best option. Originally, she was going to have what amounts to a C-section and just have the fibroid removed, but the surgeon thought that since was is 48, diabetic, and would probably be going through menopause soon anyway that they would do a hysterectomy. They took the tubes, ovaries and all which sent her into instant menopause 🙁 Most of the Drs. she talked to seemed to think that most women would benefit from removal of ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer later in life even with no family history of it. What?????? Anyway now she is wearing an estrogen patch :/ I really don’t know what to tell her. I used bio-identical hormones for a couple of years then stopped. Since we now eat a traditional diet, I rarely have any menopausal symptoms. So far she is doing alright, but has complained of thinning hair. Drs. tell you things and you think that what they are saying must be true so you don’t argue. We trust them…..maybe too much. Who knows what the long term will be for her? I feel so bad for some of these women 🙁
Commenter via Facebook says
NO WAY! My hysterectomy not only saved by life but life in all ways shapes and forms has been so much better. I don’t believe that a surgery like this done CORRECTLY would have a negative impact. I highly recommend them; but know your surgeon…. I would venture to say that the surgeon messed something up.
Commenter via Facebook says
Wait people voluntarily get hysterectomies? Seriously? Had no idea.
Commenter via Facebook says
I had total hys at 32. After years of stage IV Endo, it was a huge relief to wake up pain free. However I think having a talented and cautious surgeon is critical as is a good team of people to help balance the hormones after. My MD had no clue about hormones so I suffered for a few years until I found some people who could help me. It’s work to stay balanced, but easier than having chronic pain. But I wonder if it would be better had I looked into alternative care from the beginning.
Commenter via Facebook says
I’m thinking this has more to do with hormonal changes not being addressed properly. You can’t just remove body parts and expect to be able to go on as usual.
Commenter via Facebook says
I am 35. I had a hysterectomy last year and a full reconstruction as I was having prolapse issues. I have no issues and things are still great. I wonder if it was because I was able to keep my ovaries ??
Commenter via Facebook says
http://www.savingthewholewoman.com
Saving the Whole Woman: Natural Alternatives to Surgery for Pelvic Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence by Christine Kent was an eye-opening book that provides useful information that most surgeons and gynecologists FAIL to share with their patients, even during the “informed consent” conversation.
Commenter via Facebook says
I am 40, was advised to have a hysterectomy at 38 to treat endometriosis. Did a ton of research and decided to make dietary changes before going thru with this irreversible procedure… I went gluten and dairy-free and found a functional medicine provider who put me on bio-identical hormone creams. And, miracle of miracles– many of my health problems went away, not just the issues related to the endometriosis. I’m so happy I didn’t go thru with the procedure. When I stick with the diet and regimen, I am like a new person and feel great! 🙂
Sara says
Hi,
I am at the stage where after a failed ablation 4 months ago ( ten times worse now pain wise) for adenomyosis . I am reading everything( as I can barely move around.)Hyster is only real answer for pain it seems. But I am fisrt trying the diet( started this week) and have also ordered serenity progesterone creme. How has the combo worked for you pain wise? The ablation seels in adeno so the womb keeps getting bigger so not sure if it will work. Seeing new gyno next week but feel you get more truth/ experience from real people. Im glad to hear you have found a way forward for yourself and would appreciate any advice. Thanks
Commenter via Facebook says
fascinating – thank you for sharing this… I have had drs trying to do a hysterectomy on me since I was 30, but I saw what happened to my Mom and didn’t want to go through it and suspect I will have one offered next week. I’m going to try that oil.
Commenter via Facebook says
Might women’s perspectives after having the surgery also depend on how miserable the pre-surgery condition made them, even if the surgical “fix” doesn’t really put things back to “normal”?
Carmen says
Given that removing organs also removes function – this surgical “fix” could never put things back to “normal”. Women who have not had surgery should also note that should your life/health become devastated post-op, and you are claiming something other than a “happy” experience, there may be no true help.
Commenter via Facebook says
There are many more functions of the uterus than just childbearing
Commenter via Facebook says
Had my surgery at 38 years old do to endometriosis, I haven had any problems until I was 65 due to prolapsed bladder. Doctor told me that was common. But so far so good. I’m 68 now and bladder was tied up al all is well.
Carmen says
Curious, doctor said prolapsed bladder was common for 65 year old women or 65 year old women who have had a hysterectomy.
Commenter via Facebook says
Absolutely it is very common. If u havent yet, watch Gloria Lemay’s video on Your Uterus: Keep It for Life
Commenter via Facebook says
Full hysterectomy 4 years ago and have no regrets at all am happier than ever
Michelle says
I had a hysterectomy at the age of 38, I am now 43… And I also regret ever having it done! I also had a great sex life. I had a desire to make love with my husband all the time. When I was allowed to resume sex after my surgery my desire was gone!!!!! I did not feel like a real woman anymore, Felt less of one because I didn’t have all my parts… But thats not the big issue anymore!!! I could care less if I ever had sex again ,,,, I lost the “wanting” to have sex feeling…. the “horny” feeling is completely gone… sorry to use that word… but that kind of feeling you get just thinking of being close and intimate.
I have been back to the doctor a number of times because of this and its no use,,, She offers no real solution… 🙁 only meds that are useless…… I am scared that I also will loose my husband because of this… I say no a lot because I’m just not in the mood…. I am to young to not be in the mood….. And to top it all off,,, My husband is on a high dose of testosterone—- he is wanting sex even more now,,,, I don’t know what to do!!!! I just pray he don’t have an affair…. I wish I would never of had the surgery… It could of been avoided,,, If I would of known the outcome I would NEVER of had it done!!!!! 🙁
Carmen says
Michelle,
I can hear your anguish and unfortunately that’s the problem, of course you would have done something differently had you been provided the truth. But by posting, you are providing yet one more testimony to the truth and hopefully one day soon, our daughters will know.
Commenter via Facebook says
I have seen problems from poorly done surgery at all points of cutting.
Commenter via Facebook says
I had a full hysterectomy 14 years ago! GREATEST thing I ever did. Sex is still AMAZING!!!
Commenter via Facebook says
Partial, & kept my cervix because I enjoy it banged! No pleasure problems.
Commenter via Facebook says
=(
Commenter via Facebook says
Partial hysterectomy as well, it was hard and I was different the first year, but now there are no regrets and I feel amazing and my love life is more than amazing!! i had a hysterectomy because of endometriosis which is extremely painful and this may be why I have seen a dramatic positive side to it.
Commenter via Facebook says
One of my best friends had full hysterectomy at 35. Absolutely not changed sex for her. She’s the type who lets one know.
Carmen says
At least she was prior to the hysterectomy.
Commenter via Facebook says
Honestly – this has happened to at least 75% of the women I know who have had an hysterectomy. Of the other 25% who have not had negative effects, 20% still have their ovaries. I know many women (I’m a Life Coach, Natural Well Being Coach and herbal consultant) and most of them have had a significant personality and sex drive change after hysterectomy. The problem I believe is that often the women themselves don’t even realize they have changed, which makes it difficult to address and deal with – from their perspective they are happy, but the people they are in relationship with can see and experience what amounts to a totally different person. Makes it hard to track as well.
Ms.Gee says
I did not have my ovaries removed. It was not (and still is not) a lack of desire for intimacy on my part. The reaction that I got from my spouse had a profound effect on me. He stopped initiating as he had done prior to the surgery and when I showed an interest, I was all but ignored.
There was a lack of communication between us. However, his actions spoke louder than any words could have. His actions showed a disinterest, and I suffered in silence. I would have been receptive had I been shown that I was desired and not settled for living as roommates for nineteen years.
Carmen says
I would say some are not aware and some are aware. Most women who say they are happy with the choice (I would differ on whether it was actually thier choice) – go on to say, really what they are happy about are the absence of symptoms that they were led to believe would be fatal, or that created limitatins, pain, embarrsement, or some other misery. That’s a very different thing.
Carmen says
One more thing I wanted to say, I hope people really take in what the Natural Well Being Coach is saying here; the damage that hysterectomy has done to my relationships is beyond anything I ever could have imagined. Being able to maintain relationships is not only essential to your marriage, your family, your friendships, your work network, as well as to you as a healthy individual. If hysterectomy affects your ability to do this, then yes, it is not a healthy option.
Commenter via Facebook says
I had to have one at age 35 – it really had no ill effects – I’m extremely happy with the choice as the problems it was causing are gone!
Commenter via Facebook says
Partial hysterectomy. No regrets.
Commenter via Facebook says
I suspect you’re right, Kelly. This was what was always running through my mind when I was at work (which makes sense to you!) and I have seen people in my own life change after having a hyst. It’s sad.
Miss Gee says
I urge all women who have been recommended a hysterectomy to investigate and consider all options before being mutilated. I had a hysterectomy, removal of my uterus and cervix, nineteen (19) years ago. Before the surgery I had an active and good sex life. At that time, my “then” husband and I had enjoyed sexual intercourse at least five times a week for twenty-one (21) years. From the time of the surgery in 1992 to 2011, the year our divorced was finalized, we didn’t have sex five times. My sex life, marriage, self esteem, and self confidence were all destroyed after the hysterectomy.
After my six-week checkup, I thought our sex life would resume. Instead, my husband and I had sex, and he got up and looked at me in a way he had never looked at me before. I was hurt and embarrassed to see the look on his face as he got up from the bed. It was as I was a great disappointment. I will never forget that day and that look. We never talked about it from 1992 to 2011. That surgery messed up my life. I now feel less than the woman I had grown to be. I was mutilated at the age of forty-two and am now sixty-one and still deeply regret that I didn’t explore other alternatives.
KitchenKop says
What a heartbreaking story!!! I’m so sorry all of that happened. Did you *never* talk about it with your husband to find out what exactly was so different for him? I’m just curious as I’ve never heard such a drastic story like this one before. Maybe it’s more common than anyone knows.
Maybe I’ll put it up on Facebook and see how common it is. If I hear similar stories from a lot of women, maybe I should do a post on it…
Thank you for sharing your experience, I pray you are at peace with your body nowadays. Give yourself a break, you didn’t know!!! Hugs to you!
Kelly
PaleoMallin says
Being a trans guy I’m a guy with a womb.
I signed an informed concent form recently for my hormone treatment. I agreed to a hysto or more frequent smear tests in the future due to an increased risk of cancer (because obviously male level testosterone and womb/ovaries aren’t terribly compatable). I don’t like the thought of getting it removed (for a number of reasons) but I also don’t like the thought of smears (although I’m 28 I’ve managed to avoid any so far because I completely ignore letters inviting me for them). I do wonder whether many of the problems you described are low sex hormone problems rather than no womb issues.
Carmen says
Right, you have this question of womb versus hormones as the functions of the womb (aside from where the developing fetus resides) is not discussed in this society. But there is a video posted on this article Female Anatomy that eludes to some of the functions of the womb. Additionally the womb and normal female hormonal production and balance goes hand in hand. Whatever pills/patches/potions that are inserted from external sources does not create normal female hormonal production and balance.
Sharon says
I went to a doctor mentioned in Suzanne Somers book. My husband took me to the Hotze Clinic. It has been amazing for me. I started seeing small results immediately. After one year my body is normal. They treated the adrenals, thyroid, and used the bio-identical progesterone cream. They also addressed diet. The doctor really got to the source of the problem.
Candace says
I am in my late 20s and pregnant with my first child and am so glad this information is becoming more available, especially to younger women. I’m surprised sometimes at what my friends my age don’t know about the consequences of tampering with reproductive organs and what the truth to keep getting out there.
D. says
My sister was told back in September 2011 that she needed an oophorectomy (she’s 68 and certainly has no plans to have more kids, so my first question was why?). Long story short, she had great insurance. They botched the surgery and had to do a complete hysterectomy and then told her she had uterine cancer. I don’t believe that for a New York minute. Nevertheless, before it was all said and done she endured a total of four surgeries, during which the surgeon nicked her intestine which led to much bigger complications. She passed away on Sunday January 8th.
I have now lost two sisters to the modern medical paradigm.
Ironically, I also lost a brother-in-law on Saturday January 7th with complications from his alzheimer’s meds. He was 69 but had suffered with complete and total alzheimers since age 52. Many people who knew him think the disease was collateral damage from a polio shot gone wrong when he was younger.
Your friend Susan is right in her assessment: doctors are not honest with patients, which is why it’s absolutely vital to try to take care of ourselves. In my humble opinion, that begins with good nutrition, good water, and a little exercise – very few supplements if you can help it. But, that’s just me.
It’s been a heckuva 2012 so far.
CounterCultureMama says
I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. That’s truly heartbreaking. 🙁 I hope 2012 gets much better for you from here on out.
D. says
Thank you CCMama. So far things are not going much better. 10 days ago we lost my husband’s business partner. My DH is a retired EMT/firefighter and after retirement he couldn’t stand just being home all day (neither could I – he nearly drove me nuts) so he went back to his first love of restoring old cars and submitting estimates for damage, etc. Long story short, he went back to being a “body man/adjuster” for insurance companies. He did that many years ago (and also does other types of adjusting, too). He’s also a mortician but hasn’t done too much with that in the past few years (he only does autopsies, never worked in a funeral home). He will do it if the state calls on him, but otherwise he generally prefers to mess around with cars.
Keeping my fingers crossed that this is the last loss we’ll see for a while.
J says
My mother was advised to have a hysterectomy at the age of 18. This was in the 1940’s after having two children and a miscarriage. She refused and never went back to that doctor. She found a doctor who gave her deep heat treatments and she was absolutely fine after that. She had two more children and kept her uterus for the rest of her life.
A friend was not quite so lucky with an experience while she was in menopause. Her ob/gyn told her that she had severe fibroids and would need to have a hysterectomy. She did and was absolutely miserable with all the symptoms that Suzanne Somers talks about. Then, to top it all off, she found out, just from chance, that she did NOT in fact have fibroids, the doctor gave her a hysterectomy because he thought her previous problems were psychological and having a hysterectomy would help her feel better.
Seriously, no matter what our age we need to protect our uteruses from senseless hysterectomies.
samW says
I have a special needs daughter who at 16 has very heavy times of the month. The public school nurse is very pushy that she needs to get the “shot” so not only she lightens up, or maybe even “luckily enough” won’t get them at all, “like a lot of the girls that she recommended the shot to!” also, she says, “in case anything else would happen so she doesn’t get pregnant!” Any advice?
Sue says
What “shot” is she talking about?
KitchenKop says
I’d take her to a naturopath for the heavy bleeding and see what natural ideas they suggest. For adults I’d suggest lowering carbs and increasing the FCLO, but that’s probably not easy with a special needs 16 year old…
samW says
she is on Green Pastures FCLO, 2 a day – would you do more than that? our naturopath said we can put an estrogen cream on her belly & that might help. Do you know anything about this?
samW says
a birth control shot that you get once every 3 months I believe, maybe its 6 months…
J in VA says
probably Depo-provera–you get it every 13 weeks for birth control
likely lightens or nearly prevents menstrual flow
Commenter via Facebook says
P.S………….I forgot to mention, if I had chosen the D&C route I could have ended up being one of those that ended up with a hysterectomy. So glad I chose the advice of my doctor. I’m far better off today for it.
Commenter via Facebook says
Kelly, I have been using a natural bio identical hormone since my late 40’s. I am now 58, menopausal and will continue to use it. I also take pure herbals of Black Cohash, Don Quai, Ginseng every day. Back in my mid to late 40’s I started having extremely heavy periods that progressed to major blow outs that no amount of padding in the world would help. At a check up for all this my doctor found I had fibroid tumors, he did a biopsy to be sure I did not have any cancer cells (it was benign). He said I he could do a D&C but advised me that it would be my choice, but he prefers to never do them. He told me that D&C’s don’t stop them. Once you remove one they come back as 2, then 2 become 8, 8 become 64 and on and on it goes. What he has found that if you leave well enough alone (unless there are other health issues going on) they will just slough off. So for me to just give it time. I chose his advised route….with in time my body rid it’s self of the fibroid tumors. At this same appointment I told him of my research about bio identical hormones, he had no problems with me using it and actually encouraged me.
Once I started using natural progesterone my cycles balanced and went to 28 day cycles for the first time ever. Then I moved into menopause around age 54-55 and I keep using it. It keeps me even keel as do the 3 herbals.
Heather Anderson says
Great post. There are unnecessary surgeries being done all the time for a variety of reasons. We have to begin educating ourselves and those we love how to avoid these situations. As always, you help toward that end.
Soli @ I Believe in Butter says
We so need to develop more of a culture in which people are willing to go for second opinions. A doctor who doesn’t want their patient to have one and dismiss their concerns is not the kind of doctor I want to see.
Carmen says
Be careful of second opinions, you may end up with a number of second, but still wrong opinions in reference to what’s best for your health. Also, we say get a second opinion so easily, how many women are working, is there a limitation on second opinions with your health insurance carrier, do you still have sick leave versus PTO, exactly (from a practical perspective) how much time/resources do you have to search out and see multiple doctors. Do we understand how doctors practice and standard of care??
StacyR says
My hormones get all wacky after having a baby- anxiety,insomnia, weight loss then weight gain, low thyroid. I recovered pretty quickly after my first but not my second. I and my natural doctors (homeopathic/naturopath & a BEST practitioner) have been treating my symptoms for over a year and although some have improved many were still a problem. Weight gain and insomnia (trouble fall asleep and staying asleep) where what I was still dealing with. Everything I was reading was pointing to low progesterone. So finally I bit the bullet and bought some bio-identical progesterone and in less than a week I was finally sleeping like my normal self! Falling asleep quickly and sleeping for 5-7 hours at a time. Getting up just to use the bathroom and fall back asleep quickly for a few more hours!! And then the extra weight started coming off! I have only used the cream for 2 weeks ( I am on my 2 week off time) and I am so excited cause I am finally back to me!! Amen!
Paula says
Stacy, where did you get the bio identical progesterone?
Anna says
I believe it is incredibly important to find the underlying cause of an illness or problem. I’ve tried everything, even participated in studies at the NIH, but we cannot find the cause of my disorder. I have premature ovarian failure. I began menopausal symptoms at 17 years old. My first trip to the family practitioner, she just threw me on birth control, because I needed estrogen to prevent osteoporosis. A few years later, I was actually diagnosed after revealing to the doctor that I had severe hot flashes. They kept me on BCP.
Then, after much research, I found these studies at the NIH, where I was able to consult with an expert, Dr. Nelson. He put me on bio-identical hormones. They have the same make-up as the ones you’d naturally produce. The estrogen I use is Vivelle. It is a patch and is absorbed through the skin, so you don’t have to metabolize it. Then days 1-10 I use prometrium to build a lining. After day 10 I go off the prometrium and get a period. If a woman has an in-tact uterus, she should use cyclical progesterone! If she doesn’t, then just the estrogen would suffice. Dr. Nelson recommends using the HRT until 55, but not after. Prolonging what your body would wean off naturally is where studies show a higher risk of cardiovasular disease or breast cancer.
I’m not familiar with the use of the hormones past that age, but I’m sure many women are. I just know that because I cannot be healed of my disorder, I need these to function normally. However, I suspect environmental issues as my cause, especially using bottled water with BPA (I am an obsessive water drinker) could have altered my endocrine receptors causing my LH receptor go get out of whack. For now, there is no going back. I will just try to take care of my body the best I can.
Lori says
I think it is also important to know the numbers of women who are abused during pregnancy/childbirth. Two weeks ago, our church body had 4 women who gave birth in the same week and 3 were induced out of the four! This is insane.
Carmen says
Lori,
That’s why there was a women’s health movement, but with each generation, we may forget the issues surrounding pregancy/childbirth. One book I highly recommend “A Good Birth, A Safe Birth”, which has a section titled: If You Don’t Know Your Options, You Don’t Have Any. The last revised edition of this book was in 1992 – but it’s still relevant today because the issues surrounding pregancy and childbirth and it’s medical management haven’t changed.
Mary Beth Elderton says
When I reached mid to late 40’s, I began to experience symptoms of menopause–I’m early 50’s now and still going through it. My doctor suggested hormone therapy, but I decided to do something this natural…naturally. Besides googling for information I started asking around among women in my family and friends–NOT ONE of the women in my age group or one generation older (my mother’s age) went through this naturally! NOT ONE. Every single one either used or was still using hormone therapy or had had hysterectomies. EVERY SINGLE ONE! I guess that two generations ahead of me (my grandmothers) may have had a natural experience, but NO ONE in my or my mother’s age groups did. This tells me that either a.) every single woman I know in these age groups have had health problems serious enough to require drugs or surgery, or b.) something is seriously wrong with the way women are treated medically.
ValerieH says
or c) the last two generations have been malnourished of key nutrients.
Carmen says
I would say both b) and c) are more likely….given the advant of external hormones for most of a woman’s life, the medicalization of women’s various phases in life and the deplorable food/nutritional guidelines.
Lori says
That is a very good and informative video. I have never had any problems and don’t plan to. I am in menopause now and am hoping this time it will stay away. I went 10 months last year without a period, then had slight show (pinkish discharge) and must now start counting months again.
Last February I awoke thinking maybe I was having a heart attack. It felt like butterfly flutters on my heart. I began to research and ask menopausal women about this and was told, Oh, yeah, and that is just the beginning!” After being awakened two more nights, I thought to myself, I’ve had enough of this! I began to take some Dong Quai and upped my magnesium intake. Within the week, no more butterfly feelings and I’ve not had anymore heart issues since! I knew it was a hormone imbalance and decided to see if I could help myself first before finding someone. It worked.
My mother had a hysterectomy at age 33 (I don’t knwo why, she wouldn’t ever say anymore than ‘female issues’), and both of my sisters had hysterectomies, one at age 30, the other at age 36 due to endometriosis. I tried to tell both they needed hormone balancing, but both ‘trusted’ their doctor. Both my mom and my next oldest sister came down with lung cancer, my sister died from it this past Sept (she would have been 51 in Oct) and my mom is now dying of a returned cancer. Both smoked and both came down with differrent lung cancers, but I have to wonder if the loss of some of their hormonal functions made them more prone to cancer? My father smoked up until 5 years ago (til lage 70) and so far, his lungs are fine.
Anyway, I am determined I will not lose my uterus or anything else unless it is cancerous and beyond help.
Thanks for another great post!
Lori
ValerieH says
most illnesses are symptoms of an underlying issue. Good job taking care of yourself!
Carmen says
Lori,
My only advice for women are sure they would never agree to surgery unless…..
– if a doctor gives you a diagnosis of cancer; ensure you get it the cancer confirmed versus it being a diagnosis based on the suspicion of cancer
– have a plan of theoretical steps should any reproductive health challenges arise (diet, theraputic treatments, doctors/naturopaths/homeopathics, massage therapists, etc.)
– maybe write down your intention to avoid surgery as a reminder when you are staring down various challenges
– the time to research and arm yourself with information concerning reproductive health is now why you have a clear head and the strength and possibly resouces to do it; but the resarch should go beyond your reproduction and into overall health as anything that does that will also address reproductive health
Commenter via Facebook says
Homeopathics are also a way to balance hormones – in the hands of an experienced doctor.
Commenter via Facebook says
I’m a BIG believer in pogestrone cream. it helped repair and reset my ovaries and uteries…..and now this baby machine is working again !! (^_^)
Commenter via Facebook says
I reposted this.
Commenter via Facebook says
For all you women out there that bleed heavy, try apple cider vinegar. Take 2 Tbsp. in a glass of water 1-3 times a day. Don’t know why, but it cuts the bleeding and alkalizes your body. Yes I did this for myself and it works. You can read more about it at http://www.earthclinic.com
StacyR says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE earthclinic!!!
ValerieH says
I get upset when I even see the word hysterectomy because its root is hysteria, a made up disease for women. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_hysteria. Plato had this idea that the uterus travels inside the woman, blocking things and causing problems.
This hysterectomy boom has been happening for DECADES. My father in law lent me his copy of Male Practice by Robert Mendelsohn. It was published in 1981 and is out of print now. This book validated what he was trying to communicate 10 years earlier. Sometimes I think about previous decades and how much suffering was inflicted through the best intentions. Like telling people to eat margarine!
Lori says
I read Dr. Mendelsohn’s books in the 1980’s and loved them! He was one rebel doctor and had many readers who loved him.
I loved his book Male Practice.
D. says
@ ValerieH: You can still get the book Male Practice. I bought mine at Amazon.com but I think even the online Barnes & Nobel and places like that sell it. You probably would be hard-pressed to find it in a bookstore, though. I would keep checking online. I found mine just this past spring (2011). I have all three of Mendelsohn’s books. Great stuff.
ValerieH says
My mother in law was being advised to have a hysterectomy in her early 30’s due to heavy bleeding. Her husband didn’t want her to have surgery and was treated like a pervert by her parents. As if it has something to do with sex! She has had numerous problems since then, beginning with high BP. Her daughter also had the same thing happen about 10 years ago. She was bleeding heavy, where she went through a pad in an hour. and her period came every 2 weeks. She is also dealing with weight gain and blood pressure issues. It’s a shame medicine is so unenlightened. My husband’s other sister had endometriosis. She married late and went through fertility treatments, where they put her in early menopause for a while and then started hormone injections. After the doctors gave up on her (or her insurance ran out more likely), she went to a Chinese medicine doctor because she didn’t want to lose her uterus. He sold her lots of herbs and correctly predicted the start of her next period. Her goal is to gracefully age, completely intact.
My husbands oldest sister (he has 3) had so much trouble with her periods that the pill was a godsend. Luckily she found a chiro that does muscle testing and homeopathy. He got her off all prescriptions and sugar. It was a gradual thing but her health has improved very much. She doesn’t follow WAPF, but she has eaten organic food way longer than I have. I was thinking we have to warn our daughters because of the hormonal problems in my husband’s family, but now I believe the majority of the issues are nutritional. Native people’s in Price’s book knew none of this.
I heard a story on NPR about the uterus and its role in pain tolerance. It said that the uterus helps us manage pain. My mother in law has had many surgeries (hips, knees) and it is difficult for her to get enough pain medication after surgery. She needs more than the average person. The hospital is always afraid of giving too much. I think it should be a pre-surgery question as to whether you still have your uterus.
joanne says
Thank you for the post! I have never looked into this much but I’ve always been very disturbed (read: ticked) at how many young women just (seemingly) have this done haphazardly at their dr’s order. Rightly or wrongly I just assumed that most young women are looking for a quick ‘out’ of managing their fertility and avoiding pregnancy. What I want to know is where are the husbands!!! I know there isn’t one in every circumstance, but why don’t men step up and advocate for their precious wives! I feel very badly for these vulnerable women who truly believe they HAVE to follow the first opinion they get and don’t have any support. Once again, very grateful for this blog and all of you wonderful followers out there who are helping shed light on health issues and spreading the good word – the TRUTH!!!
Carmen says
Joaane,
The husands are in the same place as everyone else, some do advocate and mad support thier wives – and some do not. It’s the same for family members, friends, co-workers, managers, and other women who feel you have reqrets about your decision or just had a bad doctor or bad experience or bad luck – but that was you.
Sarah says
Kelly,
thanks for this post – it’s so important to get this word out! I have been working with women with all sorts of fertility, menopausal, hormonal, prolapse and bleeding issues since I learned the Arvigo Mayan Massage. I have seen amazing results with clients as well as for myself, and I am convinced that it can be life changing! I am also working Naturopathically with clients so it is a balanced approach, but the massage is incredible! You can learn more and find a practitioner in your area by going to https://arvigotherapy.com/
Beth says
After years of suffering I mentioned it to my doctor who set up a plan for me about 4 years ago that quickly included a hysterectomy (after progesterone cream and D&C and ablation) for my heavy bleeding (qualifies as hemorrhaging and it’s quite miserable! My dc have missed countless activities because of it – mommy guilt!). I vaguely remembered something about menorrhagia in the old CCL book about the cycle and nutrition. When I asked on the NT group several responded and I consequently upped my FCLO (then just CLO) to the therapeutic dose (doubled) and went from 12 straight hours of, um, let’s just say horrible bleeding down to a manageable 4 hours of misery (plus a regular/heavy period before/after those hours). Setting a timer for every 30-45 minutes through the night gets very tiresome! However, I am too stubborn to have her recommended surgery (the progesterone did NOT work for me). It took about 12 months to lower it to 4 hours and I plateaued so I went back to a normal dose. It immediately shot back up to 8, then 12 hours! So, I stay on a therapeutic dose of FCLO/BO daily. It’s my big health splurge.
Last month I found in my notes that someone had recommended chlorella on those days, which I just happened to have in my cupboard :). I tried it and it seemed to help but I would need to try it again next month to see if it was what actually helped.
I’m looking forward to visiting the links and watching the video. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot and also be nudged to do other things I’m not doing. Thanks for addressing this issue. My problems started with Lyme Disease many years ago (about 10??) and this is one other manifestation of how it messed up my adrenals and my hormones.
BTW, at that appt 4 years ago when I asked my dr if any of the recommended treatments affect childbearing she looked at me like I was nuts since I’m so obviously *not* in a position to have children, lol. As a Catholic I needed to know, regardless.
Beth says
This is the book that first sent me on the road to approaching it with nutrition. Also, sorry for the novel I wrote! Maybe it will help or encourage someone?
https://tinyurl.com/72xxzw9
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
IMO no body organs should be removed unless there is a serious immediate need. Symptoms that can be managed by addressing the underlying cause naturally should be. The whole “let’s remove it” trend is disturbing.
Hannah says
I agree with you Kate.
When I downloaded the pdf (from the first link) and looked at how many are done on the 15-24 age group I was bothered, but then I looked at the bottom of the page and the little cross by “ALL” was explained like this:
“†Includes hysterectomies for those under 15 years of age.”
That is bone chilling. Not only are they knife happy with older and younger women, but they do it to the very young as well. Yikes!
Carmen says
Right, when you market this surgical procedure as routine and not having any health consequences or effects on sexuality, then what does it matter the age of the girl/woman.
Cathy says
Great post! I sent your earlier post about birth control pills to my daughter who was on them for six or seven years and is now off. In my case, I never took them, but now I’m on hormone replacement “therapy” (doesn’t that have a nice ring?) for severe hot flashes that begin in my late 40s and persisted ten years before I caved in to the drugs. I tried every over-the-counter menopause remedy I could find. I even participated in a clinical study through the University of Minnesota where they were testing a “natural” herb combo for a powdered drink. (It actually helped a little, but then lost its effectiveness toward the end of the trial.)
The HRT patches have eliminated my hot flushing, but the cancer risk is always lurking in the back of my mind (I’ve been using for a little over a year, now). I would much prefer to find a natural remedy that actually works! Sex, Lies, and Menopause is going on my reading list…thanks for the tip.
Amy says
Cathy, you should read “Ageless” by Suzanne Somers. The bioidentials are different from the synthetic HRT and are thought to actually reduce your cancer risk.
D. says
The progesterone cream is also thought to help reduce or rid us of fibroid tumors in the breast. You rub the cream on your breasts. I’ve done this just because sometimes mine still “hurt” – I’m 58 and have been done with active periods for about 4 years. But I swear sometimes my breasts feel like their full full full of milk – which has to be a hormonal thing. I know it sounds kinda nutsy, but that’s the only way I can think of to describe it.
I use the progesterone cream (called ProgesterAll) right from Dr. John Lee’s web site.
Ki says
I use bioidentical progesterone for my endometriosis. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I went from multiple vicodin during my periods and just laying in bed crying, to having a life during my period. I now need no pain killers at all, and can walk and talk and laugh, no PMS symptoms, nothing. A life saver.
Sally says
My mom had a hysterectomy in her 40’s. She’s now 83 and in a nursing home with advanced Alzheimers. Maybe a correlation? I am 43 and do not have any health problems. I should be thinking about menopause as it is approaching, but really haven’t. After reading this article, I am curious about these biodenticals. Being a real foodie, I try to only take natural supplements and these don’t sound natural. I’d be interested in more information.
Susan says
Sally- Believe me, Suzanne Somers is all about the natural, too. She eats the way we do and only takes anything made by a pharmaceutical if it is the very, very last resort.
In Chapter 5 of “Ageless” she explains bioidenticals…..”Bioidentical means biolgically identical to human hormones -the exact replicas of what we make in our bodies. Bioidentical hormones are synthesized in a lab to exactly replicate human hormones. Bioidenticals are not drugs, however. They are completely different from synthetic hormones, which are made from the urine of pregnant mares and have nothing to do with what we make in our bodies.”
Here’s an explanation from a physician who prescribes bioidenticals…..
https://www.drdach.com/BioIdentical_Hormones.html
Bioidenticals are most definitely worth a further looking into. BUT REMEMBER THIS: Many doctors have not jumped on the bioidentical bandwagon, simply because they do not know any better. They only spend 4 hours on menopause/ hormone issues while in med school and from what I’ve read that section of class is sponsored by Big Pharma (as with most of the programs in med school), so many docs out there only know what they have been taught about synthetic hormones, which are very dangerous. And because bioidenticals cannot be patented because they are natural, Big Pharma wants us to believe they are dangerous so we will be lured into taking their stuff instead.
It is a topic worth looking into, but I wanted you to know upfront that you will read info from opposing sides, but now that you know why they oppose it, it should help your research. Also, Suzanne lists docs throughout the country we can make an appointment with who are forward thinking and have advanced their training into the bioidentical field (Lists are in back of “Ageless” and “Breakthrough”). Good luck!
Carmen says
Just a quote concerning bio-identicals that I thought might be important from a list of quotes I’ve collected over time:
Quote 4
Doctors are enthusiastically embracing this latest fad of supplementing hormone levels because their patients are usually able to notice an immediate, dramatic change in how they feel. But no one, not anyone, nobody at all seems to be taking a longer range view of the effects of these hormones on health status. This is very troubling and worrisome because some of the sickest patients we talk to on the telephone hotline have been those who had taken various hormonal supplements (both natural and synthetic ones).
(Candida & Dysbiosis Information Foundation, College Station, TX 77841 – Feb. 1998 Vol. 2, No. 4&5 (double issue))
Hayley says
Wow Liz…time for another new doctor? Maybe a naturopath?
There are times when it’s necessary to take it out – someone in my family had a SERIOUS issue where she could barely move (i think it’s called adenomyosis?) and got immediately better when she had her hysterectomy. But it’s scary to think that this is the “trend” now…I’d say this is worse than the c-section trend.
Sara says
Hello.
I have adenomyosis and am in agony 4 months post ablation. Basically it has made everything ten times worse. I no longer have any pain free days and struggle to move so am thinking hysterectomy is only answer. But i am scared…of the surgery and the outcome! I know its a long time since your post but I just wondered if you know if your friend is still doing well and pleased she had the surgery? Thanks.
Carmen says
Sara,
Unfortunatey, you now have the additional issues from an ablation. The person above (at least from the comments) did not have an ablation prior to hysterectomy. The practice for anyone having issues post ablation is hysterectomy, with all it’s attendant consequences. That’s something women should prior to having an ablation. But I would at least try all the diet advice and cool-out on any more medical treatments before making a final decision, butter, cod liver oil, bone broth for healing, raw and full-fat diary, etc.
Liz says
In Fall of 2008 I had 2 large fibroids on my uterus. They were pushing directly on my bladder. I was 46 years old and I had to go to 4 different doctors before I found one who would remove the fibroids and not insist on a hysterectomy.
I have a long history of gynecological problems and infertility. Let’s just say my uterus never did me any favors and initially I was very ready to have it removed. However, I began to research and pray about it and I was surprised to find I felt very strongly about keeping it.
Now, 3.5 years later, I’m struggling with hormonal imbalance and again I’m fighting doctors about keeping my uterus. I do not have heavy bleeding, do not have cancer or any real pain, yet they still want to take it out and “solve all my problems”. I wish I was kidding, but I’m not.
Sue says
You need a doctor that you don’t have to fight with. You might be able to find one here: https://www.abihm.org/. I did.
Sue says
or here: http://www.acamnet.org
ValerieH says
I have read that fibroids in the breasts can be cured with iodine. I heard an interview with Dr. Jorge Flechas. Perhaps that is something that will help.
Carmen says
I think you mean cystic fibrosis in the breast is helped with iodine. But since iodine is necessary for good health, it definitely can’t hurt. Eat your butter – but as mentioned in this post true Vit A (cod liver oil, etc.) should be a focus.
Miss Gee says
I had a hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) in 1992 at the age of forty-two (42) because of heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Having this surgery was a big mistake, as I have not had a sex life since then. I had an active and satisfying sex life before the surgery. My “then” husband and I had sex after my six-week checkup, and he looked at me in awe as if I was an alien after it was over. I could see the disappointment in his face as he finished and left the bedroom. We divorced in 2011 nineteen (19) years after I was mutilated because he no longer considered me desirable. From 1992 to 2011, we attempted to have sexual intercourse five times; before the surgery it was five or more times per week.
I would advise any woman to explore any and all possibilities and options before having a hysterectomy. It destroyed my sex life, marriage, and self esteem.
Betsy says
No doctor has ever suggested it to me, even the GYN to whom I complained about heavy bleeding. He just suggested it was due to age, at which point I got a new GYN, lol. He was a little rude about it.
I’ve been on bio-identicals for several years. I’m almost 61, and stopped menstruating almost immediately after being treated for thyroid cancer in 2005. I ran out at one point for some reason I don’t remember, and was pretty miserable until I got back on them.
After listening/reading to Chris Kresser (www.chriskresser.com) I wonder if I should investigate trying non-prescription alternatives. Haven’t pursued that, though.
Musings of a Housewife says
How incredibly interesting!! My doctor suggested putting me on bioidentical something or other – I didn’t fill the script, I don’t think I need it yet. She thought I was starting to experience menopause, but the symptoms have subsided. At any rate, I have heard some about them and it seems the way to go IF you have to go on something. I am 39 and no talk of a hysterectomy. No way would I have surgery if I didn’t have symptoms of SOMETHING. How crazy is that? Thanks for this info.
Carmen says
Right, it’s crazy to suggest a hysterectomy in response to no symptoms and just as crazy to suggest hysterectomy in repsonse to symptoms of SOMETHING – versus addressing what’s causing the symptoms.
Pavil, the Uber Noob says
Thanks, Kelly, for the post. Great health is a great wealth.
Ciao, Pavil