After running the necessary tests, your doctor recommends that you undergo a partial or maybe even a full hysterectomy. Fortunately, this means that the bleeding, pain in the pelvis, and some of the other issues you’ve been experiencing will go away. It also means you will have a few new matters to deal with, including a hormonal imbalance. The good news is that by working closely with your physician, the right course of treatment will restore your balance and make life a lot easier.
Evaluating Your Condition
Before attempting to treat you for a hormonal imbalance after the hysterectomy, your doctor will need to determine exactly what type of imbalance is taking place. If you underwent a full hysterectomy, that means both of your ovaries are now gone. Part of the therapy will certainly focus on providing the estrogen that your body is no longer making. Even with a partial hysterectomy where your body retains some ability to produce estrogen, the situation may be more complex.
For example, you may find that your levels of testosterone are also outside of normal limits. While low levels of testosterone are usually associated with men who are experiencing a hormonal imbalance, it is possible for women to not produce this hormone in necessary quantities. Since you do need a proper balance of all hormones to enjoy a higher level of health, the approach will involve more than providing you with a reasonable supply of estrogen. The activity will also include some form of HRT testosterone treatments designed to correct the imbalance.
What About Side Effects?
You’ve probably heard about side effects of undergoing any type of Hormone Replacement Therapy. While there are some possible effects like mood swings that seem a lot like what you were experiencing before the hysterectomy, rest assured that these indicate that the HRT needs some adjustment. No two people are exactly alike, so the dosage and frequency may be different for you. By keeping your doctor up to date on how you are feeling, it won’t take long to determine how much you need in order to bring your balance back in line.
Will It Take Long?
Remember that any type of invasive procedure does result in trauma to the body. You will need time to heal from the hysterectomy, and that may or may not mean putting off treatments for hormonal imbalance for a time. A lot depends on how quickly you heal and your general state of health. Typically, the replacement therapy can begin soon after the procedure.
In the best case scenario, you'll begin to notice positive changes that provide you with a more positive outlook, restore your ability to concentrate, and in general help you feel in control of yourself.
The fact that the therapy used to correct the hormonal imbalance does not make you feel better immediately is not a sign that it isn’t working. As with most types of therapy, it will take a little time for your body to respond to the presence of those balanced hormones. Don’t expect to wake up one morning and feel like you did before all the madness started. The more likely scenario is that you will notice things getting a little better over a period of weeks.
Remember that even after the right approach to the replacement therapy is identified, your needs may change over time. That makes it all the more important to communicate with your doctor if you notice any reversals in your health, including your emotions. Adjusting the therapy may be all it takes to get things back on the right track.
