Q. I am 36 years old, and my doctor is talking about a hysterectomy. My problems started about a year ago. My periods became very heavy and lasted at least 10 days. Then, I gradually started bleeding between periods. About two months ago I had a D and C. Well, I guess that did not help matters. My doctor said everything went all right. Now he has me on Norlutate, but that`s not stopping the bleeding. I have been bleeding at least a little bit everyday since the D and C. Now my doctor is saying that the only thing he can do is to perform a hysterectomy.
A. Before even considering hysterectomy, get a second and, if need be, a third opinion from other gynecologists. In fact, you may want to start looking for a gynecologist who is specifically interested in solving this problem without removing your uterus. Hysterectomy performed for benign (non-cancerous) conditions is often unnecessary. There are alternatives!
Your doctor is currently treating you for hormonal imbalance. In order for him to reach this diagnosis he should have ruled out the other possible causes of such as endometrial cancer, endometrial polyps, fibroids and infection. A pelvic exam and consideration of your symptoms as well as an ultrasound would have been important for the discovery of fibroids.
Estrogen and/or progestin therapy is the standard treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding when it is caused by hormonal imbalance. Approximately 80 percent of women benefit from hormonal therapy.
A final alternative is laser surgery. The most important factor for ensuring successful laser surgery is finding a physician with training and much experience. You are likely to find the most experienced surgeons at university medical centers.
