It’s possible for a hysterectomy to trigger menopause, but only when it’s a procedure that involves the removal of the ovaries. A major center in your body for the production of estrogen, the ovaries are key to the hormonal balances that control postmenopausal symptoms.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, FACOG, of Fort Worth, Texas, offers the variation of the hysterectomy surgery that best preserves your health. You won’t have a menstrual period after removal of the uterus, nor can you become pregnant. Still, you won’t suffer the menopause symptoms caused by the loss of the hormones produced by the ovaries when they remain in your body, until they naturally stop releasing eggs.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the various hysterectomy procedures and the effects these have on your body.
Hysterectomy is used to treat certain conditions that don’t respond to conservative care, or when a woman is past the reproductive stage of her life. Common conditions for which hysterectomy may be appropriate include:
Hysterectomy can also be a preventive measure to protect against cancers from developing in some high-risk patients.
There are four types of hysterectomy, defined by the tissue that’s removed. Each type has specific goals in mind, and Dr. Whitfield matches the procedure to minimize the effects on your body while accomplishing the agreed-upon goals.
This procedure removes the uterus and cervix while leaving the ovaries. Total hysterectomy won’t send you into menopause.
As well as the uterus and cervix, this surgery removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries. If you’re not already menopausal, this approach will start menopause immediately.
The upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix in place. You’ll still need Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. This surgery will only cause menopause if combined with an oophorectomy, the procedure to remove your ovaries.
The procedure used as a cancer preventative or treatment, tissue removed includes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the upper portion of the vagina, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissue. This surgery starts menopause because it includes the ovaries.
The best way to know how your hysterectomy procedure will affect you is in consultation with Dr. Whitfield and his team. Make an appointment with our Fort Worth office by calling 817-927-2229 today.
