Published: October, 2023
Featured Physician
Michael GreenHost
Dr. Michael Green, Winona's Chief Medical Officer and board-certified OB-GYN, sat down with Nicole Jardim for The Period Party Episode 308, "A Deep Dive Into Hysterectomy with Dr. Michael Green."
In this conversation, Dr. Green discusses why a hysterectomy may be recommended, the different types and surgical approaches, recovery expectations, and how removing the ovaries can affect hormones and menopause symptoms.
Podcast: The Period Party
Episode: 308
Episode Title: A Deep Dive Into Hysterectomy with Dr. Michael Green
Host: Nicole Jardim
Guest: Dr. Michael Green
Published Date: October 2, 2023
Episode Duration: 49 minutes
Format: Audio Interview
Main Topics: Hysterectomy types, reasons for surgery, recovery, surgical menopause, hormone health
The Period Party is hosted by Nicole Jardim, a certified women's health coach known as the "Period Fixer." The podcast features candid conversations with women's health experts about periods, hormones, fertility, menopause, and the body.
In this episode, Jardim speaks with Dr. Green about hysterectomy, including when surgery may be considered, what patients should understand before making a decision, and how hormonal changes may affect recovery and long-term health.
In this episode of The Period Party, Dr. Green explains that hysterectomy is a major surgical decision that may be considered for conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, prolapse, certain precancerous changes, or gynecologic cancers. He discusses why surgery is often not the first option and why treatment decisions should be based on a patient's symptoms, health history, fertility goals, and quality of life.
The conversation also explores the differences between total, partial, and radical hysterectomies, as well as vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, and abdominal surgical approaches. Dr. Green addresses recovery expectations and highlights the important distinction between removing the uterus alone and removing the ovaries, which can trigger surgical menopause.
Common reasons a hysterectomy may be recommended
Fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, prolapse, and abnormal bleeding
Total, partial, and radical hysterectomy terminology
The difference between hysterectomy and ovary removal
Vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, and abdominal surgery
Why surgical approach depends on the individual case
Recovery expectations after hysterectomy
Fertility considerations before surgery
Hormonal changes after hysterectomy
Surgical menopause after ovary removal
HRT after hysterectomy or oophorectomy
Winona's telehealth approach to menopause care
Dr. Green notes several reasons a hysterectomy may be recommended, including fibroids, severe bleeding, adenomyosis, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, certain precancerous changes, and cancer. The appropriate reason for surgery depends on the underlying condition, symptom severity, prior treatment attempts, and the patient's goals.
Hysterectomy terminology can be confusing. A total hysterectomy generally refers to removal of the uterus and cervix, while ovary removal is a separate procedure that may or may not happen at the same time. Patients should ask their surgeon exactly which organs will be removed and why.
Dr. Green discusses vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, and abdominal hysterectomy options. The best approach may depend on factors such as the size of the uterus, scar tissue, the condition being treated, and whether other procedures are needed.
When both ovaries are removed, hormone levels drop suddenly and trigger surgical menopause. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, vaginal dryness, lower libido, and changes in energy levels or body composition.
A hysterectomy ends the ability to carry a pregnancy and involves recovery time, surgical risks, and possible long-term effects. Dr. Green emphasizes the importance of understanding all available treatment options, asking questions, considering fertility goals, and making a decision with a trusted doctor when surgery is being considered.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Michael Green is a menopause specialist and Chief Medical Officer at Winona. He brings more than 25 years of clinical experience as a full-scope OB/GYN. From having delivered over 5,000 babies and now specializes in menopause, perimenopause, hormone changes, symptom care, and treatment options during midlife.
At Winona, Dr. Green helps women better understand symptoms, health history, hormone changes, and when physician-reviewed care may be appropriate.
Watch the full conversation with Dr. Michael Green on
The Period Party with Nicole Jardim.
Winona helps women access menopause and perimenopause care from home. Start with a short health questionnaire, and a board-certified physician will review your symptoms, health history, and treatment options.
Dr. Michael Green, Winona's Chief Medical Officer and board-certified OB-GYN, was featured in this episode of The Period Party.
Dr. Green appeared on Episode 308, "A Deep Dive Into Hysterectomy with Dr. Michael Green."
Dr. Green discussed reasons a hysterectomy may be recommended, types of hysterectomy, surgical approaches, recovery, ovarian function, surgical menopause, and hormone replacement therapy.
The Period Party is hosted by Nicole Jardim, a certified women's health coach and educator.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and The Period Party episode page.
No. Removing the uterus alone does not automatically cause menopause. However, if both ovaries are removed during surgery, menopause begins immediately because ovarian hormone production stops.
For some women, HRT may be considered after a hysterectomy, especially when ovary removal causes surgical menopause. Treatment decisions will depend on the type of surgery, symptoms, medical history, and physician review.
