After A Hysterectomy – A Doctor’s View
This is a subject on which there can be confusion. So I asked Dame Dr Shirley Bond, a private GP with many years of experience of bioidentical hormones, about exactly which hormones are needed.
Why women need progesterone after a hysterectomy
We then come to the confusion regarding what hormones you should take. Most doctors will tell you that you only need to take oestrogen as you dont need progesterone because you havent got a uterus.
This error arises because most doctors when they refer to progesterone actually mean progestogen which is the chemical hormone put into HRT to protect the uterus from the effects of excess oestrogen so of course you dont need it.
However what is so frequently forgotten is the fact the if you take extra oestrogen it should be balanced by progesterone.
Progesterone is the naturally occurring hormone made in the ovaries. Its function is to protect the body against the unwanted effects of taking oestrogen such as breast cancer and other effects of oestrogen dominance.
Extra oestrogen should never be taken without the balancing effects of progesterone. Furthermore often after the ovaries are removed a woman does not need extra oestrogen but will have more a lack of progesterone.
This is because fatty tissue (as in the abdomen, hips and thighs) makes oestrogen and often takes over when the ovaries are removed but there will not be enough progesterone available to balance it.
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Learn MoreWhy Progesterone Is Still Essential After Hysterectomy
One of the most persistent myths in women’s health is that progesterone is only needed if you still have a womb. This simply is not true. Progesterone has vital roles throughout the body — it supports bone density, helps regulate mood, promotes better sleep, and offers protection against the effects of unopposed oestrogen.
After a hysterectomy, many women are prescribed oestrogen-only HRT. Without the balancing effect of progesterone, this can lead to a condition known as oestrogen dominance, which may contribute to symptoms such as weight gain, water retention, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency Post-Surgery
If you have had a hysterectomy and are experiencing any of the following, low progesterone levels may be a contributing factor:
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Anxiety or low mood
- Weight gain, particularly around the middle
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Joint aches and fatigue
- Hot flushes and night sweats
Many women find that supplementing with bioidentical natural progesterone — such as Serenity cream — can help address these symptoms by restoring a more natural hormone balance. Unlike synthetic progestogens found in conventional HRT, bioidentical progesterone is identical in structure to the hormone your body naturally produces.
What You Can Do
If you have had a hysterectomy and are only taking oestrogen, it may be worth discussing progesterone supplementation with your healthcare provider. Many women report significant improvements in their wellbeing once they restore progesterone balance. Remember, your body needs both hormones working together for optimal health, regardless of whether you still have a uterus.
It is also worth noting that progesterone supports heart health, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and plays a role in protecting against age-related cognitive decline. These benefits are important for all women, but particularly so after a hysterectomy when the body’s natural hormone production has been disrupted. Many women who have had a hysterectomy report feeling like a different person once they restore their progesterone levels.
