Tag: womens-health

Preventive hysterectomy and quality of life: new research highlights the need for tailored support

What was the study about?

The researchers wanted to understand how women with Lynch syndrome feel after having a preventive hysterectomy(surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes along with the ovaries) to lower their risk of womb cancer. They looked at quality of life, emotional wellbeing, menopause symptoms, sexual health, and whether women regretted their decision. 

What did they find?

The good news:

  • Most women were happy they had the surgery.
  • Very few said they regretted their decision.
  • Many reported much less anxiety about developing womb cancer after surgery.
  • Overall quality of life was generally good, especially when menopause symptoms were well managed. 

The biggest challenge:

  • Women who had their ovaries removed before natural menopause often experienced significant menopausal symptoms, such as:
    • hot flushes
    • night sweats
    • vaginal dryness
    • lower sex drive
    • mood changes
    • sleep problems
  • These symptoms were much less severe in women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when it was appropriate for them. 

Did it affect sex life?

For most women, sexual function was not dramatically worse after surgery. Some experienced changes, particularly if they went into surgical menopause, but many remained satisfied with their sexual relationships, especially when menopause symptoms were treated. 

What does this mean for someone with Lynch syndrome?

The study suggests that:

  • Preventive hysterectomy can provide significant peace of mind by greatly reducing the risk of endometrial (womb) cancer.
  • The decision isn’t just about preventing cancer—it’s also about preparing for the effects of surgery, particularly if the ovaries are removed.
  • Good counselling before surgery and appropriate HRT afterwards (for women who can safely take it) can make a big difference to quality of life. 

The bottom line

The message is reassuring rather than alarming. Most women with Lynch syndrome who chose preventive hysterectomy felt it was the right decision, experienced less worry about cancer, and had a good quality of life afterwards. The main issue wasn’t the hysterectomy itself—it was managing the symptoms of early menopause if the ovaries were also removed, and HRT helped many women cope with those symptoms. 

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org/post/preventive-hysterectomy-quality-of-life-study

What increases my risk of uterine (womb) cancer?

The cause of uterine (womb) cancer is unknown. But there are certain things called risk factors that can increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

  • Age: It is more common in women after the menopause between the ages of 50 and 64.
  • Being overweight: If you are overweight, your risk of uterine cancer is increased.
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If you are taking oestrogen-only HRT for a long time after the menopause, your risk of uterine cancer is slightly increased.
  • Family history: Family history of uterine cancer in a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter). If you have an inherited faulty gene, it raises your risk of developing uterine or bowel cancer. In a small number of families, this faulty gene can cause a condition called Lynch Syndrome .
  • No pregnancies: If you have not had children or never been pregnant, your risk of uterine cancer is increased.
  • Polycystic ovaries: If you have polycystic ovaries, your risk is increased. This is a condition where cysts grow in the ovaries.
  • Menstrual history: If your started your periods early in life and / or started your menopause later, your risk is higher. 

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/uterine-womb-cancer/what-increases-my-risk-of-uterine-womb-cancer