A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is very popular and common nowadays, because it can address some really serious health issues. In this surgery, the uterus of a woman is completely removed. Due to which she’s unable to get pregnant anymore or have a menstrual cycle. There are multiple types of hysterectomy, so different types of surgeries and treatment options are also available. Although this surgery improves the quality of life of some people who are suffering from menstrual or uterine issues. But good results often come with a side effect. One of the major side effects of a hysterectomy is a deficiency of natural estrogen after hysterectomy surgery. Other than medications, it is very important for the body to produce natural estrogens. So it’s necessary to understand the production cycle of estrogen in the female body over a longer period of time.
Understanding Estrogen Production After Hysterectomy
The effect on the production of estrogen in the body totally depends on the type of hysterectomy surgery performed. Generally, the sudden drop in estrogen occurs when a total hysterectomy is performed, in which both of the ovaries are removed. In a partial hysterectomy, where only one ovary is removed doesn’t create a much impact on the production of estrogen. However, a total hysterectomy that includes the removal of the ovaries can cause a sudden hormonal imbalance that can affect menopause after hysterectomy.
After the hysterectomy surgery, when the ovaries are preserved, it is observed that ovarian function reduces up to 50% within 4-5 years. This happens because the blood vessels that supply blood to both the uterus and the ovary are disrupted due to surgery, which results in a hormonal imbalance.
Natural Ways to Increase the Production of Natural Estrogen
Ovaries are only responsible for producing estrogen in the body. When both ovaries are removed, it’s almost impossible for the body to produce estrogen. Although there are some tissues present in the body that produce some essential hormones.
After total hysterectomy surgery, it is prescribed to have certain medicines related to hormonal imbalance and to help regain the required estrogens. But as we all know, medications are secondary things and have side effects too. One may need to know how to increase the production of natural estrogen after a hysterectomy in the body. Apart from medicines, there can be two major sources for this, as listed below:
Dietary Approaches to Boost Estrogen
There are more than 10 hysterectomy recovery foods available in the market, which boost the production of estrogen. Let’s see the functions of some of them in the body
- Soya products: Soya contains isoflavones, which can help in relieving the symptoms of menopause. For most of the women, consuming 50 to 80g of soya isoflavones daily is more effective than low-dose hormone therapy. Miso, edamame, tofu, and tempeh, all of which are soya products and are easily available in the market.
- Flaxseeds: It is rich in lignans. Studies show that consuming 2 tablespoons of flaxseed on a daily basis can effectively improve cardiovascular health and reduce hot flashes after hysterectomy treatment. It is easily available in the market, and one can take it with yogurt, smoothies, shakes, or other bakery items.
- Legumes: It also has isoflavones and is rich in fiber, which helps the body post-surgery. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are some easily available consumables, which support both digestive health as well as hormonal balance.
Herbal Support for the Production of Estrogen
- Black Cohosh: Consuming 25-40mg of extract of black cohosh daily can effectively reduce the symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, mood swings, and excessive sweating at night.
- Red Clover: It helps in supporting bone health and also helps in reducing hot flashes. It contains 4 different types of isoflavones. Moreover, females with a history of hormonal issues in their past must be careful of this herb.
- Dong quai: It is also known as female ginseng, and is one of the most popular herbs in China. For hundreds of years, in Chinese tradition, it has been known to be used to support the menstrual and reproductive health of females. Although medical research for this is limited, some females report an improvement in mood and health, which helps in boosting the natural estrogen after hysterectomy.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Estrogen Levels
Diet and food are not the only factors that can influence the level of estrogen after hysterectomy surgery. The production of estrogen in the body depends on various factors, as below:
Physical Activity and Exercise
- Regular exercise can increase healthy production as well as the rate of estrogen.
- Weight-lifting exercise is essential because it helps to improve bone density, which is crucial when estrogen levels are declining.
- Aftercare hysterectomy is very necessary before returning to high-impact activities.
- Set an objective of at least 180 minutes of intensive exercise every week.
Stress Management
- Cortisol levels can increase due to chronic stress, eventually affecting the hormonal imbalance
- Doing some activities to reduce stress, like deep breathing, meditation, and mental exercises.
- Create a mind-relaxing environment, like maintaining a pitch-dark and noise-free room while sleeping, because the quality of sleep matters in terms of estrogen.
Body Weight Considerations
- Maintaining a healthy weight of body weight is essential for all post-surgical surgeries, because our body heals faster when we are more active.
- Being underweight or overweight can directly affect the hormones in the body, which could be imbalanced later.
- A balanced and optimal weight always helps in keeping the hormones in balance.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
If someone is looking for a hysterectomy in the first place, it is advised to go for the best instead of compromising the quality for money. Because infection after this surgery is very common, and in extreme cases, additional surgery can be required. If you’re looking for surgery in India, there are some best hysterectomy surgeons in India, who have years of experience for this surgery.
Additionally, the quality of hospitals also matters a lot, because well-reputed and highly result-driven hospitals often have a higher success rate than other hospitals. There are some best hysterectomy hospitals in India, where you can take additional consultations. Always clear your doubts before deciding on anything.
Safety Considerations for Natural Estrogens After Hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy surgery, natural estrogens may help reduce the symptoms of menopause. But there are some safety considerations too:
- Estrogen can still carry the risk of it, including breast cancer, stroke, and blood cancer. Especially with higher doses of medications.
- Individual risk factors like a history of any medical issue, age factor, family medical history, and consumption of tobacco can also create a problem after the surgery in producing natural estrogens.
- Regularly monitor yourself and don’t skip the post-surgery follow-up meetings.
- Low doses are good for health, because high doses can imbalance the hormones very easily.
- Avoid using any type of natural estrogen cream after a hysterectomy, especially without consulting your doctor.
- Always consult healthcare providers for customised care options.
Conclusion
Hysterectomy is a surgery that requires high-quality care after the surgery. It is related to the body part that is responsible for producing estrogens. So surgery can affect or influence this production and create a hormonal imbalance. Natural estrogen is no longer produced if both the ovaries are removed. But still the hope lasts as some body tissue makes hormones in a very small amount.
Hormonal balance surgery may be required if the issue persists for a long time or if long-term complications of hysterectomy persist. So to avoid this, there are some health support diets, foods, and natural herbs available. These food and herbs eventually helps to restore the lost ability of the body, producing estrogen. The right combination of natural therapies and moderate medical guidance can be the best combination for any treatment.