Are Bioidentical Hormones for Women Who Have Had a Hysterectomy?

A woman may undergo a hysterectomy if she suffers from certain medical conditions, such as fibroid tumors, certain types of cancer or endometriosis. For women who have had hysterectomies, bioidentical hormones offer a treatment option that can improve their overall quality of life after the surgery.

Significance

• During hysterectomy, doctors commonly remove either all or part of a woman's uterus. In some situations, he may also remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. Women who have a hysterectomy often begin a surgically induced menopause as a result of the surgery, according to MedicineNet.com.

Bioidentical Hormones

• Biomedical or lab created hormones have the same molecular structure as the estrogen and progesterone naturally produced by the body, according to Women to Women. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) treats hormonal imbalances that occur during menopause when a woman's fertility begins to cease.

Effects

• According to Virgina Hopkins Health Watch, a woman who has had a hysterectomy and not using traditional hormone replacement therapy or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy afterwards presents a high risk of dying from heart disease, brain disease or bone disease.

Benefits

• After having a hysterectomy, bioidentical hormones can help to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary tract problems and bone loss, according to HysterectomyRX.

Warning

• Bioidentical hormones should not be used long-term or indefinitely, unless absolutely essential for symptom relief, according to Women to Women. Discuss all treatment options for hormone related problems you experience after a hysterectomy with your physician prior to beginning hormone therapy.