Tuesday, December 30, 2008 Tre asks

Q: Progesterone use after hysterectomy and BSO

Is progesterone appropriate after hysterectomy with ovaries removed? I have read that without ovaries the progesterone can't be used properly. Is that true? Are there still benefits to using progesterone?

Thanks!

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Answers (1)

Sandy Greenquist, Health Pro

1/ 5/09 4:39pm

Hi Tre...this is a great question. From most people have been told by their providers, they don't need progesterone after a hyst. This is a very narrow view of how hormones work in our bodies. It is entirely appropriate to take progesterone afterwards. For the matter of fact, almost every woman in my practice who has had a hyst is also on progesterone. This is because, with or without a uterus, many women suffer from sleep disruption and mood disorder and it is these 2 areas where progesterone does most of its work. It helps with the quality of sleep and stabilizes/enhances mood. I highly recommend it if these issues affect you. Just because you don't have the ovaries that previously made the progesterone, doesn't mean you don't need the hormone they made!

Hope this info is helpful.

Sandy

scargile

3/ 1/10 7:19pm

Hi, I had a complete hysterectomy, and had my ovaries removed. My doctor put me on progesterone pill once a day, because of the severe endometriosis.

I am feeling pretty good so far. (2 1/2 weeks post op) I was experiencing terrible insomnia, but taking my cal/mag in evening. it's been better.

I am wondering what to expect next? I will talk to my doctor of course, but curious as I am surfing the net.

Will I continue to take the progesterone? How long? and any danger in this?

It's March 1. and this year in PA, it's been cold. So the hot flashes aren't debilitating. I hear I get to look forward to that.

Any advise?

Thanks, Carol

Sandy Greenquist, Health Pro

3/ 2/10 6:18pm

Hi Carol,

There's no reason for you not to continue taking the progesterone. It is probably helping your sleep improve. Many doctors start their patients on estrogen right after surgery, because now that you have no ovaries you have lost your major supply source. Unless you have had breast cancer or have a significant family history (mother or sisters), you need to be on estrogen for long term health maintenance. Estrogen has a number of very positive effects on the body, including promoting bone growth, protecting the heart, reducing colon cancer, maintaining vaginal and bladder health as well as managing many of the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. We know, from the most current research, that women who start on hormone therapy either before their last period or within a few years after menopause have better long term morbidity and mortality because we're healthier with our hormones; these women have less heart disease; and they do not have a significant rise in the occurrence of breast cancer. So, the long and short of it is, you don't need to suffer the hot flashes you've been warned about, or the general aging decline that will happen without your hormones. If your current provider is not willing to work with you on this, shop around for one who is up to date on the menopause research and knowledgeable about the use of bioidentical hormones.

Good luck to you, Carol,

Sandy

Maria

6/ 8/12 3:27pm

I had hysterectomy with ovaries removed thinking it was a long term endometriosis but it was ovarian cancer. Now i have Hashimoto's desease and even taking synthroyd have low metabolism. I am thinking to take progesterone alone in cream from Source Naturals thinking it will help with weight loss since i cannot take any type of estrogen. My THS is in normal range 1.8. May i try with progesterone?

Sandy Greenquist, Health Pro

9/ 1/12 1:43pm

Hi again, Progesterone is safe for u to use and can be very helpful. However, I would suggest that an over-the-counter will likely not be strong enough and you will need a prescription from your provider for the capsule. Also I encourage u to consider estradiol (estrogen) patch or cream. It is not contraindicated by ovarian cancer according to the research. I have several patients who have been on it for years and are doing quite well. Not only does it help with symptoms but also with long term health of brain, heart, bones, vagina, bladder and more. Check in your area for an Ovarian Cancer Alliance or similar org. Ours in MN is a great resource and support for ovarian cancer survivors. Good luck to you and please feel free to keep the questions coming :) Sandy Greenquist, NCMP, CNM Menopause Clinician

Q: Progesterone use after hysterectomy and BSO

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