Menopause is a time many women dread; it's full of hormonal changes, mood swings, and dreaded hot flashes and night sweats. But a hysterectomy isn't something many women consider after going through menopause.
There are some reasons why you might need a hysterectomy, even when you no longer have a menstrual cycle. The OB/GYN specialists at New England Women's Healthcare provide you with every treatment option, including a hysterectomy.
Our team considers your current health, medical history, and goals when discussing the need for a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes the uterus and cervix. Some hysterectomies also require the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The following are among the several reasons a woman may need to have a hysterectomy:
The type of hysterectomy you need depends on the reason for it. It's usually the last resort because removing the uterus makes it impossible to bear children and affects the balance of hormones.
With so many possible reasons for a hysterectomy, it’s no surprise that more than 600,000 women have one each year in the United States.
Most women don't expect to have a hysterectomy, but sometimes it's the only option for conditions that don't respond to other treatments. Some women need a hysterectomy before menopause, while others consider it after going through menopause.
There are several reasons you should consider a hysterectomy after menopause, such as:
Fibroids are noncancerous polyps that form inside the uterus. They may cause pain, abdominal distension, and heavy vaginal bleeding. After menopause, these symptoms are especially concerning.
You should consider a hysterectomy if less invasive treatment options haven't eliminated your symptoms.
A woman's chances of developing uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer increase with age, which is why a hysterectomy may be a consideration after menopause. It's also an option if we suspect cancer or you’re at high risk for certain types of cancer.
After menopause, it's more likely that you'll experience a uterine prolapse, where the uterus moves from its normal position and drops into the vaginal canal. Women who've had multiple vaginal births or who are obese are more likely to have uterine prolapse.
When other treatments don't work to improve the uterine prolapse and its symptoms, we recommend a hysterectomy for comfort.
Pelvic pain develops for many reasons, and it's especially concerning after menopause. Depending on the cause of the pain and other symptoms, we may recommend a hysterectomy to alleviate discomfort and avoid complications from the uterus.
Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, leading to pain and heavy bleeding. It often resolves after menopause, but if it doesn’t and your symptoms are unrelenting, you may require a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy always comes with risks, whether you have it before or after menopause. We discuss these issues with you beforehand.
The typical risks of a hysterectomy include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. You may also experience pain at the incision sites and vaginal drainage or bleeding for several weeks after the procedure.
However, some extra risks are associated with a hysterectomy after menopause. They include:
After menopause, you may need extra care from our team to decrease the chances of developing side effects or dangerous risks. In most cases, the benefits of a hysterectomy outweigh the risks, and we do our best to avoid complications from the procedure.
Call your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to schedule a hysterectomy consultation or request an appointment on the website. We're a premier, full-service practice with convenient locations in Woburn and Wilmington, Massachusetts.
