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Breast calcification and hysterectomy
At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with Fibrocystic Breast Disease (name is different now). This was in the late 70’s. I recently got I’ll and was told that I have uterine fibroids (size of a 5 month pregnant person). I’m not sure how large? I then went for a mammogram and the technician was having a hard time reading the screen due to the density of the breast. Instead of ordering an ultrasound, she ordered a second mammogram (this one I have to pay out of pocket for due to already having 1 done). She still could not read the screen. She then ordered an ultrasound for the left breast due to calcification. In the meantime, I am dealing with the uterine fibroids, excessive bleeding and low iron. I’m just wondering what the best course of action is? 1 does not specialize in the other? Would having the hysterectomy cause damage or make the breast condition worse? Would biopsying the calcium cause it to spread to the fibroids in the uterine? Anyone know?
The uterus is needed for much more than reproduction. It supports the bladder and bowel. Those organs are displaced and no longer have the uterus separating them after hysterectomy. So permanent bladder and bowel problems are common.
Sexual dysfunction after hysterectomy is also common even if the ovaries are not removed. The uterus (which includes the cervix) plays a key role in sexual desire and orgasm.
The uterus is suspended by four sets of ligaments which also serve as the pelvis' support structures. When those are severed to remove the uterus, it destroys pelvic integrity. That's why hysterectomized women have shortened and thickened midsections which is the result of the spine compressing and the hips widening. This predisposes them to back and hip problems.
In addition to the above risks, removal of the uterus (with preservation of the ovaries) has been shown to increase risk of heart disease, renal cell (kidney) cancer and thyroid cancer. Those are the ones that come to mind at this time.
The ovaries are part of the endocrine system and produce hormones a woman's whole life. The loss of the ovaries or their impaired function or complete failure after hysterectomy (which has been shown to be a common occurrence) has been shown to increase risk for a number of chronic conditions and diseases including heart disease, dementia, cognitive and memory impairment, depression, osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep disorders.
I hope this helps.
Sexual dysfunction after hysterectomy is also common even if the ovaries are not removed. The uterus (which includes the cervix) plays a key role in sexual desire and orgasm.
The uterus is suspended by four sets of ligaments which also serve as the pelvis' support structures. When those are severed to remove the uterus, it destroys pelvic integrity. That's why hysterectomized women have shortened and thickened midsections which is the result of the spine compressing and the hips widening. This predisposes them to back and hip problems.
In addition to the above risks, removal of the uterus (with preservation of the ovaries) has been shown to increase risk of heart disease, renal cell (kidney) cancer and thyroid cancer. Those are the ones that come to mind at this time.
The ovaries are part of the endocrine system and produce hormones a woman's whole life. The loss of the ovaries or their impaired function or complete failure after hysterectomy (which has been shown to be a common occurrence) has been shown to increase risk for a number of chronic conditions and diseases including heart disease, dementia, cognitive and memory impairment, depression, osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep disorders.
I hope this helps.
1 Comments
Thank you!
I wouldn't think there's any connection between the breast calcification and fibroids. Hysterectomy is a very destructive surgery and you don't need one for fibroids since fibroids are benign. Fibroids shrink after menopause and of course bleeding does too. Hysterectomy trades this temporary problem for a whole new set of permanent problems.
You can eat foods high in iron or take iron supplements to increase your iron levels. Taking iron with vitamin C will enhance absorption. If the bleeding is too bothersome, try using a menstrual cup which holds quite a bit more than a tampon or pad. I've heard they can be a little tricky to insert initially but once you get the hang of it, they're great for heavy bleeding. There is also a non-hormonal medication for heavy bleeding called tranexamic acid (brand name Lysteda).
I had a mammogram that showed calcification and had to have two follow-up mammograms. Before the last one, I asked if I should stop taking my calcium supplements a certain number of days prior to the mammogram. They said "yes" and, lo and behold, the calcification was gone.
If you want more info about the harms of hysterectomy, I would be happy to tell you more.
You can eat foods high in iron or take iron supplements to increase your iron levels. Taking iron with vitamin C will enhance absorption. If the bleeding is too bothersome, try using a menstrual cup which holds quite a bit more than a tampon or pad. I've heard they can be a little tricky to insert initially but once you get the hang of it, they're great for heavy bleeding. There is also a non-hormonal medication for heavy bleeding called tranexamic acid (brand name Lysteda).
I had a mammogram that showed calcification and had to have two follow-up mammograms. Before the last one, I asked if I should stop taking my calcium supplements a certain number of days prior to the mammogram. They said "yes" and, lo and behold, the calcification was gone.
If you want more info about the harms of hysterectomy, I would be happy to tell you more.
1 Comments
If you can share more information, that would be helpful. Thank you
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