Post Hysterectomy Syndrome

[soyfulliving]

Post Hysterectomy Syndrome We are just now beginning to recognize a group of symptoms, which develop about 6 to 9 months following a hysterectomy. Ovaries may or may not have been removed along with the uterus. About 6 to9 months after hysterectomy the woman begins to feel “not so good,” and has a variety of symptoms. These symptoms gradually get worse over the next 3 to 6 months so that about one year later, full-blown picture of Post-Hysterectomy Syndrome develops. Some common symptoms are mood changes, apprehension, anxiety, irritability, depression, lethargy, tiredness, hot flashes, night sweats, day sweats, headaches, dizziness, back ache, joint aches, muscle aches and many others. 30 to 40% of these women have severe symptoms rendering them dysfunctional. More often then not when these women seek treatment they are face with many obstacles, which are usually due to lack of information, both on their own and their physician’s part. These women feel very frustrated and misunderstood. They are told again and again that there is noting wrong with them and that they should feel better soon. These continuous or recurring symptoms make it very difficult for women to be emotionally happy and content and physically feel health and alive. Nutrition B-6 and magnesium have an important role for women with PHS. Calcium and magnesium are very important for Post Hysterectomy Syndrome; another important mineral works in conjunction with calcium and magnesium to maximize the effect of these minerals. DLPA is an amino acid especially helpful for OMS and PHS women. It has also been found to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and swelling. GLA GLA—Gamma Linolenic Acid. Its role has been recently recognized in nutrition. Previously it was believed that humans could make their own GLA. Now we are learning that many women have inadequate levels of GLA, resulting in various health problems. GLA in the body is converted to prostaglandin E-1. The balance of prostaglandinE-1 and prostaglandin F is very important because when this balance is lost many of the female problems discussed above usually appear. Exercise Exercise is the thread, which is intricately blended with nutrition and hormones to enhance women’s Total Health. Simplest form of exercise is the centuries old proven “walking.” This upright exercise involves gravity, movement and muscle pull on the bone and thus exerts a very beneficial effect on the overall well-being. It is highly recommended for women with PMS, PHS, Menopause and osteoporosis. Certain stretch exercises especially “Kegel exercises” are highly recommended for Post Hysterectomy syndrome and Menopausal Women. These specific exercises help prevent dryness of the vagina and help increase enjoyment of intercourse at any age. It is important to spend time outdoors when ever possible. Vitamin D in sunlight helps metabolize calcium. Overall, women are encouraged to take responsibility to seek new information and the latest treatment about issues that affect their health and happiness. In the next decade we are going to see many exciting new developments taking place in the area of female hormones, nutrition and exercise. This will enhance the quantity and quality of women’s lives and those they touch. Total Health Nutritional Program Good nutritional habits not only help women feel better, but also help them to look better. A proper diet consists of the total balance of foods eaten with variety and moderation. General guidelines are: Increase consumption of fiber in your diet. Our usual American habits do not provide enough fiber, which is essential for metabolism and excretion of certain female hormones. Increasing fiber in the diet also helps stabilize glucose in the blood and also prevents certain types of cancer, especially cancer of the colon. Increase consumption of complex carbohydrates. Both fiber and carbohydrates come from whole grains, cereals, whole wheat bread, oat bran, beans, nuts,seeds, vegetables and fruits. Refined sugars and caffeine should be eliminated. Reduce or eliminate intake of red meat. Red meat interferes with the excretion of hormones and thus causes imbalance of female hormones resulting in many health problems. Restrict dairy products intake. Eat frequently every 3-4 hours and thus keeping a steady glucose supply in the body.

[HERSFoundation]

Thank you for posting this important information. Post-Hysterectomy Syndrome was actually written by D.H. Richards in 1976, but information about the consequences of hysterectomy were published in medical journals over a century ago. Yet, as you said, doctors continue to tell women it is "All in their head". 

Once women understand the changes in their anatomy after the uterus is removed they have a better understanding of the lifelong important functions of the female organs.