QUESTION:
If I’ve had a hysterectomy, do I need HRT?
ANSWER:
It depends on your age, what type of hysterectomy you had and why, and how you feel.
With a partial hysterectomy only part of the uterus is removed, and the ovaries
remain intact, so you may not feel the need for any hormonal supplementation. A
complete or total hysterectomy refers to the removal of the cervix and uterus, while
the ovaries may or may not be removed. Even if the ovaries are not removed, pelvic
surgery can change the blood flow and function of the ovaries, and they may decrease
or cease hormone production. In this case, and in women who have had their ovaries
removed, the body usually enters a state called “surgical menopause.” Again, depending
upon the woman’s age and her symptoms, this can oftentimes require some hormonal
supplementation. If you have had your ovaries removed at a young age (younger than
age 45), we generally recommend supplementation with bioidentical hormones until
your body would normally taper its estrogen production, around age 45 to 50.
Read our articles on hormone replacement therapy
More questions on hormone replacement
therapy