Hysterectomy Surgery

Hey There,

Let’s be honest, the word hysterectomy often carries weight. For some, it sounds like the end of something big. For others, it feels like taking back control.

But there’s one version of the surgery that doesn’t get enough attention:
👉 A hysterectomy where your ovaries are not removed.

Yes, it’s possible.
And for many people, this “middle ground” approach can offer relief without forcing your body into immediate menopause.

Let’s break down what that really means, for your body, your hormones, and your peace of mind.

🌸 First Things First: What Actually Gets Removed?

Not all hysterectomies are created equal. The word simply means removal of the uterus, but not always the ovaries.

Here’s a quick overview:

So if you’re having a hysterectomy and your ovaries are staying put, you’re not alone and you’re not stepping into menopause (yet).

Why Keep the Ovaries?

Your ovaries are the hormonal headquarters of your body. They produce:

• Estrogen: supports bone health, skin elasticity, mood, and more

• Progesterone: regulates cycles and sleep

• Testosterone (yes, women have it too!): inked to libido and energy

If you're under 50 and haven’t gone through menopause yet, keeping your ovaries can be a big plus for your long-term health. It helps avoid:

• Sudden hot flashes

• Vaginal dryness

• Mood swings

• Bone density loss

• Early-onset menopause symptoms

That’s why many doctors recommend ovarian preservation if there’s no medical reason (like cancer risk) to remove them.

When Is This Type of Hysterectomy Recommended?

You might be a good candidate for a hysterectomy without ovary removal if you’re dealing with:

• Uterine fibroids

• Adenomyosis

• Heavy bleeding

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Uterine prolapse

• Endometriosis (in cases where ovaries are unaffected)

Your doctor will assess whether leaving the ovaries is safe for you, especially if there's no family or personal history of ovarian cancer.

🛌 What Recovery Looks Like

Here’s what to expect post-surgery if your ovaries are left intact:

✔️ No sudden hormonal crash
✔️ Periods stop, but hormonal balance continues
✔️ Sex drive often remains more stable
✔️ Less need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
✔️ Emotional recovery may feel smoother

Physically, your body still needs time to heal. Give yourself 4-6 weeks (sometimes more), depending on how the surgery was done (laparoscopic vs. open abdominal).

🧠 Emotional Side of “Keeping” Something

Strangely, even though you're removing something (the uterus), many women feel a small but powerful relief in keeping their ovaries.

It feels like not everything was taken.
Like a part of you is still yours.
Like you have more time, more hormonal rhythm, more control.

And that emotional peace can really help with recovery.

Real Talk: What Your Doctor Might Not Say Out Loud

• You might still feel a loss and that’s okay.

• You may go into menopause a few years earlier than average even with ovaries intact (due to disrupted blood flow).

• You might feel misunderstood, especially if others assume a hysterectomy means menopause or “the end of womanhood.”

But here’s the truth:
Your uterus doesn’t define your womanhood.
Your ovaries don’t define your worth.
You get to define what healing looks like.

Final Thoughts

A hysterectomy without ovary removal can be a beautiful, balanced choice for many women. It can offer relief from years of pain or discomfort without sacrificing your hormonal health overnight.

So if you’re here reading this, weighing options, or recovering from surgery, know this:

You made the right decision for your body.
You’re not “less.”
You’re healing.
You’re powerful.
You’re enough.

📬 Found This Helpful?

• Forward it to a friend who's facing surgery

• Save it for your pre-surgery prep

• Hit reply if you have questions or want me to write a follow-up about sleep or hormone health after surgery

We’re having the conversations most people avoid and that’s where real healing starts. 💌