Hysterectomy and Hair Loss

This is a rarely discussed subject that I feel needs to be out in the open more. Women can experience a myriad of issues relating to the female reproductive organs starting as early as their teens well into their 50’s. Some of these issues are fibroid tumors (which is experienced by African American women at higher rates than other races), endometriosis, cancers of the ovaries, uterus or cervix, etc. All of these can require surgery of some kind. One of the most common surgeries is a partial or full hysterectomy.

During my last retie, my consultant and I spoke at length about hysterectomies. She informed me that many women experience hair loss at the crown of their heads after a major surgery like a hysterectomy. She strongly recommended keeping the ovaries or even one ovary to avoid hair loss and loss of hormones after a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, for some women keeping their ovaries isn’t always an option. I thought back to when my mother had her hysterectomy when she was 46 years old, and she never lost any hair.

Seeing that I’m knocking on 46’s door myself, it has me wondering what will happen to me if and when that time comes. No, I’m not wishing doom on myself. It’s just that female issues run rampant with the women in my family, particularly on my mom’s side. In addition to my mom, both of my older sisters have had surgeries to address fibroid tumors, endometriosis, and other issues. I too have my own issues, so my time is coming.

Doing some research on the correlation between hysterectomies and hair loss, I’ve learned the following from https://reliawire.com/hair-loss-hysterectomy/

“The hysterectomy itself is not the main cause of the hair loss that 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 lead to hair loss.

So you see, it isn’t the actual hormone that is responsible for hair loss in women after a hysterectomy, it is the way that the body transforms that testosterone into DHT. There is nothing that you can do to prevent this hair loss since you do not know whether your body will react in this manner or not after the surgery, however, if you do experience hair loss, there is hope.”

What is that hope? Rogaine or Propecia – drugs that can help grow your hair back. It is important to note that these methods don’t always work for everyone, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. The last resort would be to have hair replacement surgery, which many women have done. Hair loss for women can be devastating and a huge blow to our self-esteem and ego, so it’s not surprising that many are willing to go to great lengths to have hair again.

If you are experiencing female health issues, be sure to discuss all of your options with your OB-GYN. Also, inform your loctician/consultant, or hairdresser. My consultant is also a trained trichologist (a trichologist is someone who has been trained specifically about scalp and hair conditions. Qualified trichologists undergo intensive training in trichology — the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders.), so she can offer informed and educated advice when it comes to hair loss and scalp issues.

If you are having a hysterectomy, be sure to educate yourself as much as possible about all the side effects you may experience after the surgery. Including possible hair loss. It is imperative that you discuss hormone replacement options with your OB-GYN. There are several options out there and it’s important that you make an informed decision with your physician on which one is best for you. Hair loss can be devastating, but there are options out there. Don’t give up hope if you experience it after a major surgery like a hysterectomy.