Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy

Session II: Guide to controlling one’s own recovery: emphasis that each woman isan individual and will have a unique recovery. Avoidance of adverse comparisonswith other women advised. Tiredness or what one feels like doing are guides forresuming activities. When one feels ready to try a new activity, do so gently atfirst. If all goes well, carry on and increase this activity. If, however, it seems toomuch and one feels over-tired, this is a sign that one needs to wait a little longerbefore trying again. In this way, activities will be gradually increased until theyreach normal levels again.Session III: Ventilation of patient’s feelings about having a hysterectomy: allwomen were asked, “ How do you feel in yourself about having had ahysterectomy?”Session IV: Effects of hysterectomyROLE OF OVARY AFTER HYSTERECTOMY:Ovaries preserved at hysterectomy are a boon, provided they serve the intendedfunction. In 34% of women, ovarian failure occurs within two years of thehysterectomy and in 54% within 4 years as compared to those who attained naturalmenopause (Siddl. N, Sarrel P, Whitehead M). After hysterectomy, there is animmediate reduction in ovarian blood flow due to ligation of the adnexal branchesof the ovarian vessel (Janson & Janson). Histological study of ovarian biopsyobtained one year post- hysterectomy showed a significant (87%) reduction in theprimordial follicles although serum oestradiol and progesterone levels remainunchanged at this time (Li TC & Saravelos). The ovaries in postmenopausalwomen show marked stromal hyperplasia and secrete large amounts ofandrostenedione, estrone and dehydroepiandosterone suggesting that there couldbe an endocrine role for the postmenopausal ovary in relation to its contribution ofandrogen to plasma pool of estrogen through extragonadal conversion.