There are many challenges that a woman will face in her lifetime. One of these that effect over 80 million women worldwide is endometriosis. Women have resorted to various alternatives to rid themselves of this condition and gain relief from the painful symptoms. This article covers the impact of a hysterectomy on endometriosis symptoms.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that occurs due to the abnormal misplaced growth of the endometrial tissues outside of the uterus.

Normally, these tissues are only to be found in the uterus. However, microscopic endometrial tissue can find their way into other parts of the body where they attach themselves to organs.

Commonly affected areas are the pelvic organs and intestines, but rarely these tissues can also be found the lungs and other locations in the body.

This condition can lead to debilitating pain and suffering, especially during menstruation. Engaging in sexual intercourse can cause pain and lead to bleeding. Bowel movements can become problematic due to the pain, and there are, many cases of back pain, nausea and occasionally vomiting. With all of these symptoms it becomes crucial to sufferers to find a solution.

Many people believe that hysterectomy might offer them the solution they are looking for. Considering that the root of the problem is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, which when triggered by the increased levels of estrogen each month cause bleeding and shedding, they feel removing the “trigger” may resolve the issue. And this would of course mean removal of the uterus.

However, this is one misconception that should be addressed.

There are certain disadvantages involved when choosing to undergo a surgical procedure that will remove your uterus and potentially your ovaries.

Before deciding on this life changing operation it is best to know what it can do to your body and what really happens to endometriosis after a hysterectomy operation.

Removing the uterus will not entirely stop the pain, discomfort and bleeding that endometriosis brings. These can still occur as the woman retains her ovaries that continue producing estrogen that prompts the endometrial tissue to swell, shed and bleed.

If you decide to have your ovaries removed this will bring on menopause, which comes with its own set of pretty frustrating side effects. Physically, you can feel tired all the time and suffer from headache, insomnia, joint pains and hair loss. Depression, anxiety, nervousness and constant mood swings are also common, as well as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy (dryness). For some women this doesn’t seem much improvement from the endometriosis symptoms.

You will also need to consider the emotional impact of your uterus and ovaries being removed, as without these childbearing is not possible. Your age and stage in life may determine whether this is something you are prepared to consider.

As endometrial tissue can be scattered throughout your pelvic region, removing the uterus and ovaries and then supplementing with hormone treatment to alleviate menopause symptoms may not be an option. By artificially regulating estrogen you may just be allowing the remaining endometrial tissue to continue to bring on the endo symptoms again.

Menopausal women, whether reached naturally or through artificial means, are also at risk of developing other health issues. They can be prone to heart diseases, arthritis and osteoporosis - something else to think about before definitely deciding on having a hysterectomy.

Finally, a woman’s body continues to produce estrogen even after menopause, so there is still the chance that the endometriosis symptoms can reoccur.

Considering the effects that a hysterectomy can bring about, it is really a crucial decision that must be carefully evaluated.

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