Rethinking Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions
Hysterectomy — the surgical removal of the uterus — is one of the most common operations performed on women. In some cases, it’s essential and life-saving. While this procedure can be necessary, research suggests that at least 70% of hysterectomies are performed for benign conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.
What many women aren’t told is that these conditions can often be effectively managed — or significantly improved — through holistic, integrative care that addresses the underlying imbalances, rather than removing the affected organs. I believe women deserve to know all their options before making such a significant decision about their bodies.
Understanding Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure to remove the uterus, requiring general anesthesia, a hospital stay of 2–6 days, and a recovery period of 4–6 weeks. The types include:
Partial (subtotal) hysterectomy: Only the body of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed.
Total hysterectomy: The uterus and cervix are removed, while the ovaries typically remain. Fallopian tubes are usually removed.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: The uterus, cervix, both ovaries, and fallopian tubes are all removed.
Potential Complications and Long-term Effects
Despite being common, hysterectomy carries significant risks:
Surgical complications involving the bladder, ureters, intestines, and pelvic nerves
Physical effects including sexual dysfunction, vaginal cuff dehiscence, and urinary incontinence
Cardiovascular implications: Research published in the journal Menopause found that hysterectomy — even when ovaries are preserved — is associated with a 33% increased risk of coronary heart disease. This risk increases to 250% for women under 35.
Emotional and hormonal consequences, which are often under-discussed in standard care
Common Benign Conditions: The Integrative Approach
Many of the conditions that lead to hysterectomy recommendations are not life-threatening and may respond well to integrative care — an approach that addresses systemic inflammation, immune function, hormonal balance, tissue growth regulation, microbiome health, and abnormal bleeding.
It’s not about rejecting modern medicine — it’s about expanding the toolkit available to women. That’s why, at Marina Danilova Clinic, I combine evidence-informed medical understanding with whole-person traditional strategies.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex, systemic condition — not just a gynaecological one. It is an inflammatory disease influenced by hormones, but not caused by them. It is increasingly recognised as a condition linked to immune dysfunction, often involving gut and/or vaginal microbiome imbalances.
Removing the uterus doesn’t treat the systemic nature of the condition, which is why many women continue to experience symptoms after surgery.
Case study: A 42-year-old woman with Stage III endometriosis was advised to undergo a hysterectomy. After six months of personalised Chinese herbal therapy, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and emotional support at my clinic, her pain decreased by approximately 70%, and follow-up scans showed a reduction in her ovarian endometriomas.
Adenomyosis
Sometimes referred to as “endometriosis of the uterus,” adenomyosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue into the muscular wall of the uterus. Hysterectomy is often recommended as definitive treatment, but many women find relief through non-surgical, natural approaches.
Case study: A 37-year-old woman with confirmed adenomyosis and debilitating menstrual pain was able to avoid her scheduled hysterectomy by following a comprehensive plan of Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition therapy, and targeted supplements. Within six months, her symptoms became manageable, and her quality of life significantly improved.
Fibroids (Uterine Myomas)
Fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50. Although common, only a small portion of these non-cancerous growths are situated in such a way as to cause pain, heavy bleeding, or urinary frequency. Fibroids are often hormone-sensitive, respond well to integrative therapies, and shrink naturally with menopause.
Case Study: A 47-year-old perimenopausal woman with multiple fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding was advised to undergo a hysterectomy. With a tailored herbal medicine programme, I was able to significantly reduce her bleeding. In addition, I used nutritional therapy to reverse insulin resistance (a driver of fibroid growth) and targeted supplementation to restore her iron levels. After four months of treatment, a follow-up ultrasound showed that her fibroids had shrunk.
When Surgery May Be Necessary
While I advocate for exploring non-surgical options first, hysterectomy remains an important and sometimes necessary treatment. Surgery may be the best option in cases of:
Cancer or precancerous conditions
Severe, life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled by other means
Certain complications during childbirth, such as uterine rupture
Severe pelvic organ prolapse in women who have completed childbearing
My goal is not to discourage necessary medical intervention, but to ensure women have explored all appropriate options before undergoing major surgery.
Conclusion: Empowering Women With Options
Surgery can be life-changing — and sometimes life-saving. But too often, hysterectomy is presented as the only option — without a thorough exploration of safer, more holistic approaches.
Women deserve time, choice, and support. They deserve care that addresses the whole person, not just the affected body part. And they deserve to know that healing is often possible — without removing parts of themselves.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering your options and want to explore integrative support for your condition, I invite you to work with me. I offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Please start by submitting the New Patient Form here.
