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What is a hysterectomy?
 Surgical menopause | After a hysterectomy
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A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of all or part of the uterus (womb). Many times, the fallopian tubes and 1 or both ovaries are removed at the same time as the uterus. When the ovaries are removed, the woman will begin experiencing menopause symptoms soon afterwards. This is called surgical menopause.

Why is a hysterectomy necessary?
A hysterectomy becomes necessary when a woman experiences certain medical conditions. These conditions may include cancer, blockages of the bladder or intestines, uncontrollable bleeding associated with childbirth, severe pelvic infections, fibroid tumors, or a “drop” of the uterus due to weak supporting tissues.

Hysterectomies are fairly common1
Regardless of the cause, more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the U.S. By the age of 60, 1 in 3 American women will have had a hysterectomy. Next to the cesarean section, a hysterectomy is the most frequently performed major operation on American women of reproductive age.

Types of hysterectomies
 There are several types of hysterectomies. Each type differs by which tissues are removed during the surgery. Not all hysterectomy procedures lead to surgical menopause, only those in which the ovaries are removed.
 

Picture of partial hysterectomy – removal of upper portion of uterus and fallopian tubesSubtotal or partial hysterectomy
This procedure includes the removal of the upper portion of the uterus and often the fallopian tubes.
 

Picture of total hysterectomy – removal of uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and one or both ovariesComplete or total hysterectomy
A complete or total hysterectomy includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix. It may also include the removal of 1 or both ovaries.
 

Picture of radical hysterectomy – removal of uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, upper portion of vagina Radical hysterectomy
A radical hysterectomy includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, supporting tissues, upper portions of the vagina, and lymph nodes. This procedure usually includes the removal of 1 or both ovaries and may be performed in addition to the treatment of certain cancers.
 

Learn more about what happens after a hysterectomy, and talk with your healthcare provider about which menopause treatment makes the most sense for you.
 

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EstroGel (AN ESTROGEN HORMONE)?

Estrogens increase the chance of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are using EstroGel. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb). Your healthcare provider should check any unusual vaginal bleeding to find the cause.

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chance of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots.

Using estrogens, with or without progestins, may increase your risk of dementia, based on a study of women age 65 or older.

Do not start using EstroGel if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, currently have or have had certain cancers, had a stroke or heart attack in the past year, currently have or have had blood clots, currently have or have had liver problems, are allergic to EstroGel or any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.

Common side effects of estrogens include headache, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, stomach/abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fluid retention, and vaginal yeast infection.

You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with EstroGel.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full patient information (PDF) and boxed warning.

REFERENCE: 1. The National Women’s Health Information Center: Hysterectomy. Available at: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/hysterectomy.htm. Accessed July 31, 2007.

This web site is intended for U.S. residents only.
EstroGel® is a registered trademark of LaSalle Laboratories, Inc. ©2009 ASCEND Therapeutics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  
     
   
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