Having a hysterectomy is something that sometimes cannot be avoided in women. It can be the source of anxiety unlike any other. Some women feel that they are losing the part of themselves that make them a woman, since in this procedure all or some of the female reproductive parts are removed, as can be the case in a full hysterectomy.
In a full (or radical) hysterectomy, the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed, other times some of the parts can be saved. Making this procedure even more harmful on a womans self esteem is the outer changes that their bodies are going through, not just the changes on the inside.
Hormone Therapy the Culprit
Hair loss is a big issue in women who have had a hysterectomy. The hysterectomy itself is not the main cause of the hair loss that the woman may be experiencing; rather it is a side effect of the hormone replacement treatments that she is taking.
The exact cause of hair loss is not known and there is no cure for hair loss, however it is thought that testosterone and the way that is it converted to dihydrotestosterone (otherwise known as DHT) is the underlying cause of the problems.
Most hair loss is attributed to genetics and the way that the testosterone is metabolized. The same is true for those who have had a hysterectomy. The body is completely changed and the hormones that are created are dramatically different.
The body will cease to make the hormones needed for normal functioning after a hysterectomy and a woman will be forced to take what is called hormone replacement therapy.
With hormone replacement therapy, a doctor will prescribe the estrogen and testosterone in either a pill form or an injection. The body will react differently to these new forms of the hormones and it may have an effect on the way that the body metabolizes those hormones which leads to hair loss.
So you see, it isnt the actual hormone that is responsible for hair loss in women after a hysterectomy, it is they way that they body transforms that testosterone into DHT. There is little that can be done to prevent this hair loss since a patient does not know whether their body will react in this manner or not after the surgery, however if they do experience hair loss, there is hope.
Treaments
There are several treatments out there that will help the body to metabolize this testosterone in a more efficient manner. One of those drugs is called Rogaine and is approved to treat hair loss in both men and women.
Another drug, Propecia, is also approved for treatment, however it is usually not recommended for women due to birth defects that it is known to cause.
Although, your doctor might find that it is okay for you after a hysterectomy. Since hair loss in women can be more serious due to the psychological effects that come along with it, hair replacement surgery might be an option for you to consider.
Whatever you decide, hair loss is a hard issue to deal with and hair loss accompanied by a hysterectomy is even worse. Talk with your doctor to determine how to you help to diminish your own hair loss.
Last Updated on November 1, 2022