Preventing Recurrence Of Endometriosis After A Hysterectomy

While most women usually hope that a hysterectomy is a permanent solution to their struggles with endometriosis, this is rarely the case. Studies show that almost 10% of the women who have their uterus removed through a hysterectomy usually experience a recurrence within a year after the procedure. It also shows that of all who do not experience a recurrence of the condition within a year, over 40% of them usually develop the disease within five years from the date of the hysterectomy. This is a saddening fact. The good news is that there are things which one can do to prevent the recurrence of endometriosis after a hysterectomy.

Talking to your doctor about your options so far as hormone therapy is concerned is something that you should consider after surgery. Studies show that hormone replacement therapy usually plays a significant role in reducing the chances of a recurrence of endometriosis. Even if it does not totally prevent a recurrence, this therapy can significantly postpone the recurrence. This is so because almost everything in the female reproductive system is controlled by hormones and maintaining a proper balance may be the key to preventing the cell abnormalities that result in endometriosis.

A hysterectomy usually has early menopausal symptoms that can make a woman very uncomfortable. Hormone therapy is a good option for treatment of these symptoms. It is however important that you talk to your doctor before subjecting yourself to any form of therapy since there are cases where taking hormone based medications speeds up the recurrence instead of eliminating the condition.

Since endometrial cells usually affect the ovaries and fallopian tubes, you should also consider having your ovaries removed together with the uterus. While this may result in permanent infertility, it is usually a better option considering the repercussions that a recurrence could have. Ovaries also are responsible for the production of some of the hormones that create a favorable environment for the growth and development of abnormal cells that usually cause endometriosis. Not having your ovaries present will thus significantly reduce the chances of a recurrence of endometriosis after a hysterectomy.

You will have to be careful before opting for the removal of your ovaries since their removal could result in abrupt premature menopause. The symptoms of this condition such as anxiety, headaches, hot flashes and increased risks of diabetes and heart disease could cause a lot of discomfort to a woman and thus worth considering before choosing to have them removed.

Lifestyle changes will also be helpful especially when it comes to the food you eat. A healthy diet is likely not only to reduce the severity of the symptoms of endometriosis but also the chances of having a recurrence.