There are approximately 600,000 women that must have a hysterectomy each year. Hysterectomies are performed to treat issues such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and gynecologic cancer.
The different types of hysterectomy will impact how your body will recover afterwards. There are three main types.
Partial hysterectomy or supracervical hysterectomy which removes the uterus and leaves the cervix.
Total hysterectomy which removes the uterus and cervix, it may also be necessary to remove one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Removal of the ovaries can result in premature menopause.
Radical hysterectomy ends up removing the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. In certain cases, such as cancer it may require removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes as well.
Depending on the type of hysterectomy you require you will have different results post-surgery. With all types though it is important to pay attention to your mental health. Although a hysterectomy can improve your quality of life by relieving heavy bleeding or pain it does eliminate the possibility of having children for good. For some younger women this can cause depression.
If your hysterectomy requires the removal of ovaries this can cause the body to experience menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
The ovaries are the main organ that produces estrogen when they are removed the hormone production shifts to other organs such as the adrenal glands. To assist the body with menopausal symptoms it is important to add nutrients.
Eating ground flaxseed daily can help reduce hot flashes. If you are still experiencing symptoms after a month, you could try a product by Metagenics called Estrovera. Buy here.
If hot flashes don’t get better after use of the above-mentioned supplement it is important to look at your lifestyle.
Are you stressed?
Do you like your job?
How is your overall diet?
Do you exercise daily?
Your lifestyle and mindset can have an impact on your health. Consider adding the following ways to take care of yourself.
Meditation
Daily gratitude journaling
Moderate exercise (10-15 minutes of aerobics and 2-4 hours of brisk walking weekly)
Calming exercise practices such as yoga
There are a few other dietary suggestions to help support your overall health. Practice clean eating focusing on whole foods, organic when possible and non-processed foods. Decrease the intake of coffee to one cup a day, drink organic if you can (coffee, tea and wine are crops that are heavily sprayed with pesticides). Consider using calming herbs such as holy basil or ashwagandha.
If you are using supplements, there are a few that are important for post-menopausal women which can support you with insufficiencies including:
B complex; (Thorne basic B), for adrenal health with methyl forms of B12 and B9 (folate).
CoQ10 in the ubiquinol form can be more expensive but it is in the reduced form so can absorb better. As the body ages it doesn’t convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol as easily.
Calcium supplements are not always needed. The recommended amount for premenopausal women is 1,000 mg, and post-menopausal women should consume 1,200 mg. Try to consume foods with calcium and do not exceed 500 mg as a supplement. If you are taking a supplement, consider adding K2 (Ortho molecular K2). The K2 helps to deliver the calcium directly to the bone matrix instead of being absorbed in the arteries possibly causing arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis.
Magnesium is an important nutrient, but you need to ensure you are taking the proper form. Magnesium glycinate if you are not experiencing constipation but if you are experiencing problems with constipation try using magnesium citrate.
These are only recommendations which may not suit everyone. Remember overconsuming supplements can cause side effects, please consult with your physician before taking any supplements as there is a lot of factors impacting your body. Only you and your physician know your health history. Always remember a healthy lifestyle, clean eating and having a joy for life will be the key to living your ideal life.
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