Hysterectomy Procedures Not Always Needed

Apparently, some time in a woman's life, 1 in 4 will suffer heavy menstrual bleeding. The Times reported on January 24th 2006, that heavy menstrual bleeding as the reason "1/3rd of f of US women and 1/5th of British women are advised to have their womb removed" and most, before they reach the age of 60,

As we know, a hysterectomy involves removal of the womb. It is known to be one of the more traumatic surgical procedures for a woman to endure. Not just physically. Yet, a hysterectomy is one of the most common procedures. So what is going on, Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management pondered? "Far be it from me to be so cynical as to suggest but could there be a connection between the fact that this procedure is generally recommended and carried out by men, who, funnily enough, don't have wombs?!

NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence), announced this week that "despite the frequency of this recommendation, the advice is "just plain wrong". Among their concerns were that "too many doctors still believe that a hysterectomy is the only way to stop heavy menstrual bleeding. In most cases, hysterectomies are unnecessary and pointless".

They also reported that "there are many other therapies that are far less radical that could be just as effective". As a result, NICE are suggesting to women that they take responsibility to source the full range of treatment options before making such radical decisions.

NICE reported, and Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management supports their view, that heavy menstrual bleeding is just as likely to be caused by hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, fibroids, endometriosis and many other causes. Edith suggests that women would be wise to seek alternative help and consider instigating life style changes such as supplementation, hands on treatments like acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, homeopathic, herbal remedies, medication or much less drastic surgery before a hysterectomy. Edith also believes that counselling or psychotherapy should be seriously considered before and after a hysterectomy to deal with the potential emotional issues that may develop as a result of such traumatic invasion on a woman's body.

Sunday, 28 January 2007