How to dose after a hysterectomy  

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. There are over 700,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States each year. Very few of these operations are performed because of a life- threatening situation and many specialists believe most of these operations are unnecessary. Not only do American women see no health benefits from this surgery but many experience significant problems as a result. Evidence is mounting that there is a higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed routinely following surgery, and in the opinion of Dr. Betty Kamen, synthetic estrogens and progestins are potentially dangerous as they are strongly linked to breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand natural progesterone is safe and effective. Dr. John Lee recommends a 4 to 6 month program using natural progesterone. He suggests applying 50 - 60 ml of progesterone per day (1/4 tsp. in the morning and 1/2 tsp. in the evening ) for 26 consecutive days and then a five day rest. As we are all so unique the dosage may be adjusted accordingly.

What to look for and how to treat yourself

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 to 9 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.

"Menopause and Estrogen, Natural Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy," by Ellen Brown and Lynne Walker: "Estrogen is only necessary if the body is unable to make a sufficient supply from the precursor hormone (natural progesterone).  Natural progesterone has been reported to work without estrogen even on menopausal symptoms following surgical menopause in some cases.  However, relief can take longer than in cases of natural menopause.  Even if you already are taking estrogen after a hysterectomy, you don't need to stay on it forever.  Health writer, Dr. John McDougall, M.D,  states that after about age 45, when estrogen production would have fallen off anyway, you can gradually wean yourself from it.  Again the problem is that it's hard to get off estrogen once you start.  Supplementing with estrogen raises the "set point"  below which you'll experience hot flashes.  When you are withdrawing from estrogen, hot flashes can be worse than before you started taking it.  It's important to wean yourself from estrogen gradually.  Taking natural progesterone along with it can help you decrease the dose without uncomfortable symptoms. Women who have had a hysterectomy typically aren't given progestins along with the estrogen because they don't have to worry about uterine cancer.  However, natural progesterone can still be useful to these women, not only to help them decrease the need for estrogen, but to preserve their bones.  Unlike synthetic progestins, it (natural progesterone) may also reduce breast cancer risk."