Natural Hormone-Replacement Therapy After a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy involves the removal of a woman's reproductive organs. A hysterectomy can be partial (such as removal of the upper-part of the uterus) or complete (removal of uterus and cervix) or radical (removal of uterus, cervix, upper portions of vagina and supportive tissues). Women have hysterectomies for a variety of reasons, from conditions affecting the uterus, to adhesions, fibroids and cancer. Replacing hormones created by the female sexual and reproductive organs is often engaged through natural hormone-replacement methods.

Discuss HRT with Your Doctor

Ask your doctor about natural hormone-replacement therapies and treatments to replace the estrogen and progesterone deficiencies that occur following a hysterectomy. Low-dose hormone therapies in such cases help women maintain bone health and reduce the chances of osteoporosis. Hormone-replacement therapies may be plant-based or found in over-the-counter products and herbs and supplements, including products that relieve menopausal symptoms. Discuss these with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your own circumstances, symptoms and goals.

Creams

Rub natural balancing creams on your skin. Natural hormone-balancing creams contain only natural products and ingredients that replace some of the missing hormones (progesterones and estrogens) that post-hysterectomy causes in women. Some of the ingredients included in such creams are glycerins, progesterones, grapefruit-seed extracts and citric acids; when used regularly and according to directions, these creams help restore hormonal balance in the body.

Bioidentical Hormones

Research bioidentical hormones as a natural hormone-replacement therapy. There has been some controversy that bioidentical hormones (derived from plants) offer benefits to women experiencing hormone-related issues following hysterectomy.

Nonhormonal Treatments

Check out nonhormonal treatments for symptoms or replacement of some hormones lacking in post-hysterectomy women. Belladonna is known for reducing hot flashes, while clonidine also provides relief and acts as a thermostat for the body's temperature stabilization. The thyroid also makes calcitonin to help prevent bone loss, although it doesn't reduce bone fractures caused by rapid bone loss. Calcitonin supplements may be found at your health-food store, in nasal spray or as injections offered by your doctor.