Question 48

I Had A Hysterectomy. Is It Necessary For Me To Take Estrogen Or Can I Live Without It?

Dear Doctor,

I am 45 years old. I just had a radical hysterectomy 5 weeks ago for cervical cancer. I don't have any menopausal symptoms. (just a very slight hot flash once in awhile) Actually, I feel great. I'm not on any hormones. There is a lot of cancer in my family. (my mom had breast cancer) But I have borderline high blood pressure. I am currently on Xanax .25mg. for anxiety. One tablet a day. My question is...Is it necessary for me to take estrogen? Or can I live without it?

Thank you so much for your time...

Reply:

Hi,

To take, or not take HRT, is a personal decision. It is not necessary for you to do this if you are not comfortable with it.

You ask, "can I live without it?"

There are some things to think about.

There is little question that the abrupt fall in your sex hormone levels associated with the removal of your ovaries, will ultimately result in a regression of the sex hormone dependent tissues of your body. This will include, but not be limited to, atrophy of the vagina, labia and clitoris, loss of breast tissue, loss of skin thickness and collagen content, increased skin wrinkling and loss of lean body mass.

The medical literature reflects that women who are without ovaries and do not use HRT, have a significantly higher rates of death, as compared to those who are HRT users.

There is no wrong, or right decision, you need to do what you feel is right for you.

I would also read the sections of the web page, Hysterectomy and Breast Cancer & HRT as this will provide additional insight.

Let me know how and what you do.

Dr N